19th Century Dutch Brass-Lined Peat Bucket - Sculptural Handcrafted Wooden Vessel

A beautifully crafted 19th-century Dutch peat bucket with brass lining and sculptural form - a slice of rural history At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Date: 19th Century • Origin: Netherlands • Type: Peat Bucket • Construction:  Traditional staved and turned wood with hand-forged fittings • Design:  Tapered cylindrical body with concentric ridges, flared rim and base • Finish:  Polished wood with ebonised banding and brass-lined interior • Dimensions: H: 37cm (14.6") | Di: 30cm (11.8") • Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote before completing your order This beautifully preserved Dutch peat bucket from the 19th century is a striking traditional antique example of utilitarian elegance - a practical object elevated by craftsmanship, proportion, and form. Originally crafted for transporting and storing peat once the primary domestic fuel source across Northern Europe in the 19th century - it now stands as a decorative antique with sculptural presence, rich with tactile warmth and history. Design & Craftsmanship Constructed from richly toned wood, the body displays a gentle taper and concentric turned ridges that add rhythm to its silhouette. The deep honey hue of the timber contrasts with ebonised bands and a gleaming brass liner - a feature both decorative and functional, designed to protect the wood from the moisture of freshly cut peat. The swing handle, of hand-riveted brass, retains its smooth, time-softened patina. Every detail speaks to the sturdy yet refined craftsmanship typical of the 19th-century Low Countries. Character & Decorative Appeal The surface bears the mellow lustre of age, with small marks and irregularities that tell of long use beside the hearth. What was once an everyday object now possesses sculptural integrity - the simplicity of its form, the balance of curves and bands, and the interplay of metal and wood make it a timeless decorative accent. It works beautifully as a rustic planter, umbrella stand, log holder, or simply as a standalone statement piece that embodies vernacular European design. Historical Significance Peat, cut from the marshlands and moors of the Netherlands, provided vital fuel for domestic heating and cooking during the 18th and 19th centuries. Buckets such as this were once ubiquitous in well-appointed Dutch homes, bridging functionality with aesthetic craftsmanship. The brass-lined interior suggests this example was used in a more prosperous household - a modest object elevated to a piece of understated luxury. Styling Suggestions Display fireside beside a period grate, in a conservatory filled with foliage, or as part of a curated collection of European country house antiques. Its rich texture and warm tones harmonise with both contemporary and traditional interiors, offering a sculptural note that speaks quietly of authenticity and age. Explore Every Facet Our high-resolution photographs let you examine this peat bucket in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Look closely to see: • The warm, honeyed timber with ebonised turning rings and moulded base, showing gentle, historic shrinkage lines and small knocks from honest use.  • The lift-out brass liner and swing handle with original rivets - both with attractive age-related patination and light surface marks from service  • The softly burnished interior and rim, where years of handling have created a rich, tactile sheen.  • Tight, stable staves and a sound base, with minor old wear to edges consistent with 19th-century domestic life Sustainable Style - Thank you for considering antique furniture and objects - a conscious choice that honours traditional craftsmanship and sustainability …in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures Sustainability begins with what already exists; this 19th-Century Dutch Peat Bucket exemplifies that principle - handcrafted from natural materials, made to last, and imbued with both heritage and beauty. Each piece is a sustainable alternative to new production, preserving the beauty, artistry and material integrity across generations.  By collecting and re-using antiques and supporting restoration you contribute to a circular tradition where these historical artefacts with graceful form and function endure across centuries and traditional skills are preserved - an elegant form of sustainability represented in the form of environmental stewardship. Purchase with Confidence At White’s Antiques, every piece is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.