Antique Wheelbarrow from Shanxi Province, China

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An old Chinese proverb states, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Yet, it could also say the journey must begin with a single push, especially when considering one of humankind’s most fundamental inventions – the wheel – and how the Chinese innovated around this simple device by creating the wheelbarrow. A thousand years before the wheelbarrow appeared in Europe the Chinese were taking products and people on very short trips as well as those of a thousand miles or more. For many, it was the only means of conveyance.

Constructed in elmwood, this Wheelbarrow is atypical in appearance and function

This week’s New Arrival features a unique wheelbarrow from China. As purely functional, hand propelled vehicles, the design of wheelbarrows has not changed since their introduction nearly two thousand years ago. Yet, look closely at this wheelbarrow. Crafted from elmwood, it features decorative elements as well as a cutout with a seat and footrest underneath – a child’s seat. You can almost see a young mother pushing her son or daughter; but what else? Could it be plants; or maybe groceries? Is it possible this is really an early design for a shopping cart?

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