A what is it ? (non weapon)

fearn · 13th May 2011, 08:53 PM

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 · 13th May 2011, 09:21 PM

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 · 13th May 2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

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 · 14th May 2011, 05:46 AM

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 · 14th May 2011, 01:56 PM

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

Jim McDougall · 14th May 2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

Thanks David, "clouds and thunder'...thats the term I was looking for! I kept trying to think of, but my mental file cabinet kept coming up with 'taotie'!
Actually these 'amulets' were as I understand, kinds of prayers or verses written by a Mullah on paper or other material and placed inside these kinds of containers. In other situations it seems these kinds of containers may have been used in Islamic context in other regions as well in that way, and I think in North Africa.
Actually one reference I have seen notes that such amulets were placed in these kinds of containers (not knowing visually what these may have looked like) but around the necks of livestock and other owned animals in remote areas in Asia for thier protection.
Obviously it cannot be certain if this is such a device, and Colin's suggestion is extremely well placed as well, as matches and/or brushes were important in temples and religious centers. I always wish I had my small library of "Arts of Asia' magazine issues with me..they always had amazing articles on material culture esoterica from all of these regions.

All the best,
Jim

David · 14th May 2011, 05:47 PM

Given the size of this object i would suggest that it probably had a more utilitarian purpose that to hold prayers. We can really only guess at his point what it's owner kept inside. Could have been writing implements, tobacco, fire starting tool, etc. I can't see that a 7" container would be necessary for carrying paper prayers though...

13th May 2011, 08:53 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	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

13th May 2011, 09:21 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	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

14th May 2011, 05:46 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	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

14th May 2011, 01:56 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	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

14th May 2011, 05:47 PM	#7
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Given the size of this object i would suggest that it probably had a more utilitarian purpose that to hold prayers. We can really only guess at his point what it's owner kept inside. Could have been writing implements, tobacco, fire starting tool, etc. I can't see that a 7" container would be necessary for carrying paper prayers though...