Abstract: A container capable of holding materials such as joint compound applied from the container with an applicator to an object includes an open top, a generally semi-cylindrical first wall having a first longitudinal upper edge and a second longitudinal upper edge generally laterally opposite the first longitudinal upper edge, and second walls located generally at longitudinally opposite ends of the first wall. The first and second walls define a volume for holding the material therein. The smooth curvature of the first wall permits material to be withdrawn from the container by a scooping motion of the applicator along a smooth curve generally from the first longitudinal upper edge of the first wall laterally to the second longitudinal edge of the first wall. The applicator is capable of maintaining contact with the first wall throughout the scooping motion.