It's time for another Chinese Mystery Object. If you can
guess what this is, please let me know in the comments.
This object is made out of wood, and is reasonably large, about
18 inches in its longest dimension.
Here are a couple of hints: These are still in use, and have
a practical function (as opposed to a merely decorative one).
Some of you might already be familiar with these, so I'll use Rosemary's
system of turning on Comment Moderation for this post. If your solution is
correct, I will withhold it until the end, to allow others a chance to guess.
The answer will be revealed in a few days. Good luck!
Is it a feng shui corner chi activator??
ReplyDeleteHello Coulda Shoulda, I don't think so, although I'm not quite sure just what a corner chi activator does!
DeleteIn feng shui, they think corners in rooms have stagnant chi so they put specific objects in the corners to liven up the chi and the circulation...
DeleteThanks for explaining--that concept makes sense on several levels. This object seems ideal for that purpose, with its shape, symbolism and color, but that's not what it was made for.
DeleteIts a lovely object Jim - wonderful rich red and gold - but I do not have a clue as to the practical function it has - shoe rest is my hopeless guess.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary, With its long "legs", it does look like one of those shoe or boot jacks, the kind shaped like a beetle.
DeleteThe lack of symmetry is a bit confusing, so it has to be something where the three prongs can lie almost horizontally. I will guess that it sits on sand inside a public or private temple, guarding peoples' joss sticks.
ReplyDeleteHello Hels, You once again have hit on some points that are tantalizing close. If you consider this from the point of view of the dragon's head, it would be more-or-less symmetrical lengthwise (down the dragon's back, if it had one!). Also, I am showing this at rest, not as in use.
DeleteDearest Jim,
ReplyDeleteGuess you play a trick on us and put it upside down or so. It might be holding something... We have a similar piece from India and that is holding something too. But the other way around!
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, No tricks here. Other than placing it on a level surface, this is about how it should appear (see note to Hels above).
DeleteNow I'm looking forward to finding out more about your Indian object, but this is not "holding" anything, at least not in the way I think you mean.
Yet again, I have no clue, but can't wait for the reveal!
ReplyDeleteHello Merry Wife, There are so many of these mystery objects, and the fun comes in speculating about them. At least this time there is a definite answer.
DeleteHello Jim,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting object... Could it be a hand rest for calligraphers?
Hello Erika, Some of the most magnificent Chinese art objects are calligraphy hand-rests, but this isn't one of them.
DeleteDear Jim,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure although I do like the combination red-and-gold colour. I seem to remember that red means wealth or prosperity however this doesn't help me much and so I will go with my first thought and say: 'Is it a back scratcher?'
Bye for now
Kirk
Hi Kirk, I just tested your theory, and although a bit clumsy, it definitely works! However, that it not its primary purpose.
DeleteHaha! I love Kirk's guess :)
DeleteSeriously, I do not know! This one is tough. Something used in a wedding because of the colors and dragon head???
I can't wait for you to post the answer!!!!
Hi Loi, This may on occasion be used before a wedding, although unconnected with the actual ceremony.
DeleteIt's good to know that if you were getting ready for the wedding and suddenly had an itchy back, you could surreptitiously use this unusual objet while no one was looking...
DeleteAbsolutely correct, Kirk, and especially useful with some of the elaborate clothing, often changed several times during the ceremony, used in Asian weddings.
DeleteNo idea, what it is, but it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun game!
Hi Jen, Thanks for your input. I am working on the main post now, although I may need an extra day, as some of my research data seems to have disappeared.
DeleteHello Jim,
ReplyDeleteYou have posed a most tantalizing question. I see what I perceive to be stress fractures in all three prongs, so I am guessing that this braces something heavy open.
Hello Mark, That's a very astute observation, although not related to the function of the piece. Your comment, however, reminded me of a situation that might have caused these cracks, which I will discuss in the main post.
DeleteA device to lift the vessel that holds the sand for joss sticks? (Like a panhandler).
ReplyDeleteHello Columnist, You were getting really warm when you mentioned the word 'sand', but not in relation to joss sticks or lifting things.
Delete