Netsuke or What?

[hddennis]

Waiting for this to arrive by mail. Purchased as a netsuke but I thought it might be a water dropper for calligraphy. Any ideas what it is, time period, country of origin or what designs represent? It's 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches,

 

Thanks in advance for any help,

Howard Dennis 

[PietroParis]

It doesn't look like a netsuke to me, but I have no idea of what it could be.

[Bugyotsuji]

If it's about the size of the end of your thumb, then it's more likely to be an Ojime, judging by the holes above and below, i.e. a slide. Possibly imitating the shape of a 瓶子 Heiji/Heishi sake jar.  The pattern on the side can be seen as a (Hoshi-tsuki) Hanawa/Shippo Mon/Kamon design. This white ceramic is typical of Hirado or Imari/Arita, I think, but that's reaching the outer limits of my knowledge.

 

PS A sweet little object, either way, IMHO.

[hddennis]

Thanks to both of you for replying.

Bugyotsuji,

thanks so much for  confirming the decoration and style are Japanese. I couldn't resist it for the same reasons you like it. Measuring 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches wouldn't it be to large for an Ojime?

 

Howard Dennis

[Baka Gaijin]

 I wonder  if it is a Fuchin hanging scroll weight minus the himo and fusa?

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Ah, given the size yes, a good idea Malcolm!

[Baka Gaijin]

I've checked my back stock of Fuchin and the dimensions are about right,

[hddennis]

Thanks again guys, It arrived today and the dimensions given were wrong it's 1 7/8 tall by 1 1/2 wide and quite heavy. The hole is straight through with solid walls no open interior space. The seller didn't picture the sides so this was a pleasant surprise. Any idea of where to obtain a suitable tassel to complete it?

 

Howard Dennis

[Rich S]

Howard

Try a drapery or fabric store for large size tassels.

Rich