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Antique Questions Forum / Japanese Silver Mallet Question

« on: May 01, 2008, 10:08:51 pm »

I recently inherited this item from my grandmother, who got it in Okinawa, Japan at some time in the early fifties. She says it has something to do with the Shinto religion and is a silver mallet that brings wealth. It has a strange set of concentric circles on the flat end of the mallet, and what looks like a false hinge on the ornate face.

What is this, what is it meant to do, and how much wealth is it likely to bring me?

Thank you very much for your help.

2

Antique Questions Forum / Japanese Noh mask Questions

« on: May 01, 2008, 10:04:16 pm »

I inherited several items from my grandmother which she acquired in Okinawa, Japan in the early fifties. My grandfather was an army officer working on reconstruction there, and some of these items were presented to him, while others were purchased.

I have no idea of the worth of these items or their authenticity (they're old, but I'm not sure how old). I was hoping anyone with an interest in Japanese art would take a look and give a quick assessment.

This is a mask meant for wall display, and my grandmother told me it was a female (?) demon named "Hanya". There are two Japanese characters on the back which I think are the maker's mark.


Thanks to anyone who helps out.