Once a common sight in courtyards throughout rural China, this textured stone vessel was used as a grain or water trough for chickens and other barnyard fowl. Chiseled from a block of granite over a century ago, the simple trough charms with its uneven surface, textured interior, and asymmetrical contours. Recently drilled at the base with a small drainage hole, the trough is ideal today as a stone planter for flowers and greenery, indoors or out.