Porcelain drum stool – birds 2

Chinese garden or drum stool. This type of stool might have evolved out of Buddhist garden traditions where natural elements like tree stumps and smooth rocks were used as garden seats. They became a staple in the household during the Song dynasty (960 -1279) when houses were build around courtyards and gardens and outdoor furniture needed to withstand the elements. Their shape is derived from the barrel-like Chinese drums and often decorated with simulated nailheads, just like the drums have.