Topic: Well it is Halloween!!

[lyndhurst44]

Hi folks,
Take a look at this strange little green number that I picked up yesterday in a charity shop.
It is obviously oriental but is it glass? Well when it's held up to the sky the light shows dimly through.
The metal work is silver plated but much of the silver has gone.
The base shows part of a makers the rest having been polished away.
What's intriguing to me is the little subject of this piece which seems to be the metal impression of the skeleton of some small mammal, the same figure appears on reverse.
Do we have any Asian members who could possibly translate the remains of the makers mark please, or you may know what it the piece represents.
The piece measures 3.5" tall.
Happy Halloween!!
Bryn

[chloe]

The best place I know for Japanese/Chinese makers marks is - http://www.gotheborg.com/marks/index_jap_marks.htm

How does it feel on the teeth?  That's my only sure fire way of checking things sometimes.  I cant explain the difference, but compare it against a piece of glass and a piece of porcelain (which is what it will be if not glass I should think)

[lyndhurst44]

Hi Chloe,
I should have added that the mark is on the metal base. Unfortunately my teeth were purchased some years ago and not up to the task I'm afraid. Very good site though that will certainly be added to my favourites list.
I will take it on my bootsale hunt in the morning there are a few regular people I know there who might be able to help me with the translation.
Thanks for your help.


Bryn

[Ivo]

If the material is banded it might be natural - but not if it is a spiral.

[lyndhurst44]

If the material is banded it might be natural - but not if it is a spiral.

The first 3 lines are banded and follow a wave pattern all the way around the top of the  piece, the pattern can also be seen below the waist metal ring but a less well defined. The outside is smooth but the inside has a slightly rougher feel. So it could well have been made from a natural source.
Foolishly I chose to show the close up of the poorer side, the metal has more of a silver sheen on the reverse.
It also looks like as if the skelitor creature is wearing a crown.

Bryn

[Martyn K]

could it represent an ant?

[lyndhurst44]

could it represent an ant?

No, I dont' think so Martyn, it's got a tail.  My leaning is towards an ex lizard of some kind.
Bryn

[dirk.]

hello!

have a look at this dish on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.de/Wunderschoene-Serpentin-Schale-mit-Metallbeschlag-11x5cm_W0QQitemZ330282497868QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330282497868&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1229
(sorry, i can´t understand anne´s explanation of doing short url  )

the metal around the rim is very similar to yours. description says
it´s from tibet. perhaps worth a research towards that direction?

[lyndhurst44]

Thanks Dirk,
Yes, there are simularities with my piece so it might well come from Tibet. I note that it is listed under Antques rather than glass and I don't think there is any reference to glass in the listing either. It would be interesting to find out what they are made of.
My item weighs just 250gms.
Thanks again, :clap:
Bryn

[Martyn K]

Serpentine...it's a type of stone.

Edit... serpentine is fairly soft, if you can find a discrete place try making a small scratch with a steel needle or sharp knife blade and it will leave a white(ish) line if it is serpentine.