It's time for a new Mystery Object. Although I have often
acquired items mainly because of their historical interest and without
considering their looks, this piece is one of my favorites because of its
tremendous eye appeal.
These utilitarian objects are still in common use, and typically have a
characteristic decoration, although rarely featuring dragons. The form of the
dragons here, however, does have a symbolic significance appropriate to this
type of object.
This is made out of wood and is about six inches long, but
others range from considerably smaller to much larger. While other types of these can be found, this
is the most common general shape.
If you know or can guess what this is, please let me know in
the comments. As usual, Comment Moderation will be turned on for Mystery
Objects posts. 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!
Hello, Jim,
ReplyDeleteYour mystery object is indeed charming. My first thought was that it might be used for mashing food, but then I considered that the kissing dragons would form a more generous handle. Next I looked at the area that has been scraped and thought that it got rather hard use, perhaps as a door stop. But now I am inclined to believe that a cord or ribbon passed through the kissing dragons, to hold something up as a counter-weight. Just what, though, is still a mystery!
Hello Mark, Your powers of observation are very sharp; when you see the answer you will see how you were headed in the right direction, but then veered away. Remember, this object is made of wood, so it is not that heavy. --Jim
ReplyDeleteI thought that the dragons might have been protecting something precious inside (eg herbs), much like Europeans locked up their expensive tea leaves in a tea caddy. But I cannot see any opening to the wooden object.
ReplyDeleteHello Hels, You zeroed in on another important construction detail, yet this is not meant to be a receptacle for tea or the like. --Jim
DeleteYou were right ) The side view makes its musical function more readily apparent. Or at least seeing that there was an opening into the object.
DeleteThanks. I enjoyed the guessing.
Hello Hels, I promise next time not to withhold such a pertinent photograph, but you realized anyway the importance of some kind of opening. Honestly, I thought that at least someone would guess a rattle of some sort, or would have seen them in an Asian setting. --Jim
DeleteOh, these games are such fun and I am terrible at them. I still remember the flour press (don't think you called it that, but you know want I mean. This looks like a press of some sort, maybe for herbs? Garlic? It's truly charming!
ReplyDeleteHello Jen, The flour press or stamp was a rather rare object, but these as stated are very common here. You almost certainly have encountered these in one form or another. --Jim
DeleteHello Jim - when it comes to Chinese mythological animals, the dragon must be top of the list for representing strength. Maybe two kissing dragons equals double strength! Could your fascinating and delightful object be used for pummelling something - crushing dried herbs and spices and used in a similar way to a pestle and mortar?
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary, Now that you mention it, dragons are often paired in Chinese art, or occur in other significant multiples. Although this object is built to take a certain amount of hard use (it is a practical object), using it the way you suggest would probably break it (that is an extra hint!). --Jim
DeleteDear Jim - I am having another attempt - could it be an implement used when washing the laundry!
DeleteHello again, I think I know what you mean; something like this could be useful for laundry (in fact, hold that thought for a future post), but these objects are not meant to get wet. --Jim
DeleteLast shot at it - kneading dough rather like we do with our rolling pins.
DeleteThey do have little rolling pins here for making the wrappers for dumplings, but this has nothing to do with the preparation of food. --Jim
DeleteI love these mystery objects! Tried to read the previous comments/clues but to no avail! I always learn so much from you, Jim. The wear on the sides seems to note that it is held not be the dragons but by the body - just conjecture here! Does it in fact open? Is it some kind of container, if not for tea, for perfumes, rouge or other cosmetics? I guess even dragons get dolled up for smooching?
ReplyDeleteHello Ann, Ah, Chinese cosmetics containers are a whole specialty in themselves, but that is not what this is. These are quite common and important in Japan, so I sure that you have seen them, at least out of the corner of your eye! --Jim
DeleteDearest Jim,
ReplyDeleteWould it have been something to pound on seeds, for opening them? You always have the most interesting mystery objects and pretty ones too! Real coffee table treasures!
Kindest regards for a happy Sunday.
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Although this certainly does look like some kind of instrument for pounding, it actually is not sturdy enough to serve that function, so it must have some other use. A happy Sunday to you, too. --Jim
DeleteHi Jim. Well, since my track record with your mystery objects is so impressive, I thought I'd try again. The first thing that sprang to mind before reading the comments was some kind of Chinese version of a netsuke. Then I thought it might rock back and forth in some culinary purpose like maybe smashing cooked rice into a paste for mochi? I know, I know. I should stick to my day job. Wishing you a happy weekend. Barbara
ReplyDeleteHello Barbara, These aren't for preparing food, but it's funny you should mention netsuke, because I have a few netsuke shaped like tiny versions of these--they are even operable! Unfortunately, I believe that they are in Cleveland, so I won't be able to include a photo in the follow-up article. --Jim
DeleteHello Jim,
ReplyDeleteI am completely stumped, which is no surprise really as I have zero knowledge of Chinese decorative objects other than what you've taught your loyal readers. I await with baited breath for the mystery to be revealed.
Hello CD, While carved dragons and such do give items like this a lot of their charm, it can be difficult to see past them to the more basic forms and functions underneath. In a plainer form, these objects have made great inroads into Western society. --Jim
DeleteA door knocker?
ReplyDeleteHello Columnist, Not a door knocker, but tantalizingly close! --Jim
DeleteA door key, or part thereof?
DeleteYou were closer with the first guess--that is the trouble with clues; they can lead in several directions. I am getting the answer ready now, and with any luck will post it later today.
DeleteI've seen these before in Asia but I've never paid attention. too bad :)
ReplyDeleteHello Petra, Many things stay in the periphery of vision without reaching the level of full consciousness. That is part of the appeal of photography or sketching (or collecting), focusing on details that otherwise get lost in the larger whole. --Jim
DeleteA very interesting post! I appear to be coming in quite late, but what a great mystery object to share with your readers. It is the kind of item that you could look at for quite a long time, turning it over in your hand and attending to all the fascinating detail. It's lovely - thank you for showing it.
ReplyDeleteHello Gerard Alan, Thank you for your comment--it's never too late! You are right, these objects have an incredible look and feel, and in the case of these muyu, their own special sound also (I assume that you have looked at the follow-up post that explains their function as a musical instrument.) --Jim
DeleteHappy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteI am managing the History Carnival for January 2016 and need nominations for your own blog post or someone else’s by 31/1/2016. The theme I have chosen is History of the Visual, Performing, Musical and Literary Arts, but all good history posts will be welcomed. The nomination form is at http://historycarnival.org/form.html
Hi Hels, I'll try to look out for something interesting. --Jim
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