Wooden box has me stumped!

[kidden6968]

Think this might be the last one today but this neat wooden box has me stumped.  If you lift the 2 lids, there are holes with glass inserts that appear to be candle holders one of which is chipped.  One of them also slides out pretty easily.  However, I can't imagine burning down a candle with the wooden lids.  There is also no wax residue that I can see.

The lids appear to be maybe a dragon design?  This measures 8 3/4" long at longest point, 4 " deep and 2 3/4" high.  Weighs about 1 pound.  Then there is the trench on top like a pencil holder?

Has me stumped.

[mart]

Not sure but I think you have a paint box !! Or more correctly ink !!

[kidden6968]

As in those would be inkwells?  Uncovered inkwells?  New one on me.   

[ghopper1924]

An inkbox with inkwells and stylus holder.  The winged beasts are probably gryphons/griffens.

[mart]

No !! Not like you are thinking !! There is an oriental art form (can`t remember the name) that uses an ink and water only !! One brush is used, and they can do the most intricate designs and artwork with these three things !! containers would be emptied, cleaned and replaced after using !! Brushes are either squirrel or sable, and are good size because the belly of the brush holds a lot of ink but tapers to the tiniest tip for fine lines !! Its amazing to see these artists at work !!

[kidden6968]

I think you are right Mart.  I did find boxes with the hinged lid and glass or ceramic "wells".  Now I am trying to figure out how old this might be and if it would have been made in china or asian in general.  Perhaps totally off base with country of origin. 

I will probably list this and like to have as much information as possible.  If anyone comes up with any other information, please let me know.  I so appreciate you all   

[mart]

Hinges and brads say it probably mid century or in that area !!

[ghopper1924]

Calligraphy.

[bigwull]

I don,t think this has anything to do with Chinese calligraphy...this is an inkwell...possibly a travelling one
see link...whilst the one in the link is not a travel one...you do get them..and this on here reminds me of treen ware

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-wooden-triple-inkwell-/110949559171?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PensPencils_WritingEquipment_SM&hash=item19d51beb83

[bigwull]

 another one,...and i,m sure i,m correct with this one on here being treen...
see link...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANTIQUE-ART-FOLK-XYLOGRAPHY-WOOD-TREEN-PEN-INK-INKWELL-/130400896435?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5c7fc5b3

[kidden6968]

Aahaaa!  Ok it does look like it fit with the treen pen inkwells.  Ok so we know it is mid century due to hinges and brads.  This would not be considered folk art would it?  It does appear handmade.  Any idea what type of wood?

[bigwull]

is it just me...or is there something missing from between the lids....the wood has the colour of teak..a pick of the underside may help as often was the case the underside was,nt varnished...and the grain may be better there..

[kidden6968]

Sorry thought I did post this - but didn't  LOL

[kidden6968]

I agree it looks as thought something else should be in the middle - the wood is lighter in spots and then stained in the rest of the center.  It also looks as though any varnish is worn off in that area but there is absolutely no residue of an adhesive - just as smooth as the rest of the box.  I can't see any other indication something was attached there - unless something just sat on top unattached.

[bigwull]

i can,t get the pic to open up...maybe its just me...as its way past my bedtime...01.53am.. .