I apologize for having been remiss in posting, and in addition it’s been a very long time since I have done a mystery object.
So many objects were beautifully made in the past, but today their identification is often obscure. If you know or can guess what this is, let me know in the comments. I will turn on comment moderation for this post, so if you guess correctly I will withhold your winning comment until the big reveal next week, in order to give others a chance.
This utilitarian object is made from brass, and is about five or six inches (c. 13 cm) on the long side, although these came in different sizes.
Perhaps the exact use for this object was more common in Asian countries, at least those with Chinese-inspired cultures, but somewhat similar objects were made elsewhere. They are still made today, both the Asian and non-Asian types.
Good Luck. I look forward to seeing your responses.
(All photos and original objects property of the author.)
Well, it just looks like a picture frame to me, although I'm sure the solution can't be THAT obvious. So I'll be interested in learning what it actually is!
ReplyDeleteHello Debra, You are right--a picture frame is too obvious! Also, on the back there is no sort of hook or way of hanging or making an easel, although I suppose if you really wanted to turn this into a picture frame, you could do it!
Delete--Jim
Oh, and guess what, your Comment Moderation is not on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me! I turned it on just now. --Jim
DeleteHello Jim - I don't have a single, solitary clue at all as to what it is - I shall look forward to knowing the answer.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary, Although this type of item was very common, it might not have been in every house, so people with certain backgrounds might identify it more readily than others. --Jim
DeleteDearest Jim,
ReplyDeleteLooks to me like an antique brass label ID name tag holder...
A very rare and unique find; no doubt and you obviously have a connoisseur nose for such one of a kind objects! Always fun to read here and very educational too.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Although the size is about right for what you have guessed, remember that there are no attachment holes or hardware so that it could be easily mounted on a wall or surface. --Jim
DeleteI think it might have been the bottom of a tray. All that would be needed is a sheet of glass (or similar) lying on top of the frame, useful for carrying small tea cups.
ReplyDeleteHello Hels, I know exactly the small teacup trays that you are talking about. Tea accoutrements could take up several posts by themselves--not to mention several mystery posts! This item no doubt would have made a handsome teacup tray, but that is not what it was intended for. --Jim
DeleteHello Jim - could it be used as a template for something?
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary, While your guess is not universes away, this is not a template. It has a very specific use. --Jim
DeleteIs it a frame for antique mother of pearl Chinese gaming tokens? I have one made into a necklace.
ReplyDeleteA frame full of those mother-of-pearl gaming tokens would be spectacular, but that is not what this is! --Jim
DeleteTO HOLD FABRIC CLOTH SO IT DRAPES?
ReplyDeleteHello Contessa, Do you mean something like a curtain tieback? In any event, this has nothing to do with draping cloth. --Jim
DeleteHi Jim. I notice that, among other things, there are representations of animals along some edges. No hook? So it stays flat. Maybe you would stretch fabric over it for embroidery or parchment for painting, writing or calligraphy.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s anxiously adroit Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hello Bazza, Congratulations, with your mention of calligraphy, you are essentially correct. However, instead of stretching the material over the frame, the frame was simply placed on the paper in order to align the written characters.
Delete--Jim
I am delighted to see you posting; it thrills me to drop by and see a new post
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what this is but a picture frame. I am not good at these things, alas.
Hello Ur-spo, For some reason Blogger placed your comment into a hidden folder instead of posting it!
DeleteBy now you know what the mystery object is, so it is too late to keep the speculation going! --Jim
Sone kind of cooking utensil?
ReplyDeleteHello Kirk, I had to think about that for a minute. Perhaps some kind of won-ton maker? However, this object has nothing to do with food. --Jim
DeleteThat should be SOME kind of cooking utensil.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirk, Don't worry. Typos are ignored here. --Jim
DeleteI will come back again to comment on this one. 我沒看過這樣黃銅框。？？
ReplyDeleteHello rtc, You might be surprised to discover that you have seen these before! --Jim
DeleteDrat! I thought I had posted my guess - which is no guess: I don't know.
ReplyDeleteHello Ur-spo, How mysterious--two of your comments were hidden in a folder which is rarely invoked and is titled "Awaiting Moderation" even though I should also have gotten an email alerting me of your comments. I guess that Blogger considers you immoderate. --Jim
DeleteI just saw the sea of Taiwan from an airplane. I would like to walk on sand there.
ReplyDelete桂花開了嗎?
Hello rtc, Again, I apologize for responding to your comment so late. Blogger often does not notify me of pending comments. Most of the beaches that I have seen here are rocky, but those are mostly on the north coast. I do not take many nature walks these days, going out mostly at night to avoid crowds (and heat), so I have not noticed the osmanthus flowers. --Jim
Delete