Posted 11 years ago
floraAdore
(1 item)
I found this koi fish at a thrift store for $20. it's got a nice patina. I think it's brass(?). It's 5" long & has 4 small holes & 1 larger in the center. The small holes have circular piece of metal w/ 3 holes. The larger one has 5 holes. Imprinted on the bottom of the head, in upper case lettering 'MADE IN JAPAN'. Under the tail section 'PAT 09902'. Perhaps it's to display flowers like an ikebana vase? Or for incense? Any help/comments appreciated. -Maliea!!
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Hi you koi looks like cast iron and my guess is a frog (ikebana) They still are making them :-)
Thanks you both So Kindly for you're feedback! I thought ikebana but, why bot the familar pin, 'frogs' normally used? An acquaintance of mine, living in Japan, thinks it has to do w/ irori. (Sunken hearth for cooking & heating Japanese homes) since the irori holds fire, & the Japanese like balance/wabi Sabin, they use fish often I read. It truly is a mystery! Any suggestions on where to find info on Asian antiques? Ty!!!
I believe it is a cone incense burner and a pretty one. I can visualize the smoke billowing of in 17 different streams. Beautiful !!!!
@musikchoo- that may be it! I was thinking incense sticks! I am 1/2 Vietnamese, & have an altar for my ancestors where I give offerings, light incense. (The smoke brings my thoughts & prayers to them in heaven). Maybe ill use it there! If anyone ever sees something similar I'd appreciate a photo/link! Ty Ty Ty!!
I thought maybe it had another piece on top what of how knows, whatever they maybe they do look unusual.