A what is it ? (non weapon)

[dennee]

It looks like a pen case or something similar.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by dennee

It looks like a pen case or something similar.

I had similar thoughts.
Looks possibly Chinese or far eastern, possibly for brushes?

[fearn]

I've seen similar shaped containers used with Japanese kimonos to replace pockets. That said, the designs do not look Japanese, only the shape and the way the strap is rigged.

F

[katana]

Thanks for the ideas, Denee and Gene....Fearn I think you are referring to 'Inro' ....this is the sort of thing I had in mind. Clearly not Japanese but perhaps based on the same idea . Inro were used to carry medicine, money, notes etc.
Definately seems to sit nicely when suspended from a belt (the concave back 'holds it 'against the hip/thigh ) Perhaps a pen/brush case but carried (on a belt) and shown in public may suggest a 'scribe'.

Not certain as to my initial Islamic origin although the top and bottom strongly remind me of Moorish/Mughal architecteral domes.
There is smooth 'wear' and much less patina on the concave side ....suggesting this area was 'rubbed' regulary , perhaps against clothing as the owner walked. If based on the idea of a 'Inro' perhaps Chinese as suggested.

Please keep those ideas coming

Kind Regards David

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by katana

Thanks for the ideas, Denee and Gene....Fearn I think you are referring to 'Inro' ....this is the sort of thing I had in mind. Clearly not Japanese but perhaps based on the same idea . Inro were used to carry medicine, money, notes etc.
Definately seems to sit nicely when suspended from a belt (the concave back 'holds it 'against the hip/thigh ) Perhaps a pen/brush case but carried (on a belt) and shown in public may suggest a 'scribe'.

Not certain as to my initial Islamic origin although the top and bottom strongly remind me of Moorish/Mughal architecteral domes.
There is smooth 'wear' and much less patina on the concave side ....suggesting this area was 'rubbed' regulary , perhaps against clothing as the owner walked. If based on the idea of a 'Inro' perhaps Chinese as suggested.

Please keep those ideas coming

Kind Regards David

I gotta say the more I look the more the design looks Chinese. The scrolling smoke/flame the geometric edge.
Interesting little thing

[Jim McDougall]

David, this really is interesting, and as Gene has noted, there seems to be a sort of mix in the motif with both Chinese as seen in the center, and the Mosque type shapes at top and bottom. This container may be for containing an amulet, written on paper and folded or rolled up and inserted.
There are a number of Muslim peoples in China, especially in the frontier areas to the west, such as the Uighurs and Hui, and I wonder if perhaps this might account for the combined styling motifs.

All the best,
Jim

[katana]

Hi Jim ,
thank you for your input, certainly a conundrum. The 'meander' motif (border) in China is symbolic of 'clouds and thunder' . Its the 'mosque dome' ends that are 'throwing me'.....during the construction these ends would be much more difficult to create....which suggests that they are highly symbolic to the piece. I think, maybe a strong religious reason ....further suggesting that it may have contained something of religious importance (to the owner) Interesting that you mentioned a written 'amulet' ...my initial thoughts were that it was used to carry prayers or verses from the Koran...but that was just a 'feeling'. Hence my vague reference to being 'warrior related' ....I can easily imagine, just before battle an individual praying to God for victory and carrying those prayers into battle as a protective talisman.

I would imagine that there is the possibillity that this piece could even have originated on the Indian side of the border with China,

Kind Regards David