Author Topic: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics  (Read 1972 times)

junk250

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Hey,

I just found these today at a thrift and need some help...what the heck are they?

The girl that checked me out looked at them for a minute and said "what are they",you should have seen the look on her face when I said "I don't have a clue".

Anyway I haven't the slightest idea what they are,what I do know is there is a small label that says "made in Japan" so I would guess 1950's-60's but could be much older I guess. They are hand carved from a solid piece of wood and are hollowed out inside with a chisel or something and there is a strange shaped opening cut through the bottom creating a hollow area on each half. One is a little bigger than the other the biggest is 7" tall.

I know it may not be an antique,but I guess it's OK to ask.

Thanks everybody !

« Last Edit: June 12, 2009, 09:45:49 pm by junk250 »

ironlord1963

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2009, 10:15:43 pm »
My first guess would be like wood blocks for music (percussion).

junk250

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2009, 10:35:12 pm »
ironlord1963 ,

When you said that, I looked at them again and there is a definate "pattern" to the paint that's missing...it's so obvious now, they are drums !

I'll post another pic soon that confirms your identification.

Now I'm getting exited about them, coolest drums ever ?

I looked at the label again,and I think when I read "made in" I assumed Japan,the label is torn and worn to no ink. I'm thinking now it is Hawaiian maybe(the pine cones are Pineapples ?), wow.

Thanks a Bunch !!!
« Last Edit: June 12, 2009, 11:04:19 pm by junk250 »

regularjoe2

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2009, 12:02:40 pm »
Hi junk250 ...

What you have there are known as "Mokugyo' , which are wooden bells used in alter services by Buddhists in Japan , and other countries .

D&b antiques

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2009, 12:11:23 pm »
And the paint work. is typical of the 1940's.

junk250

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2009, 08:39:44 pm »
regularjoe2 ,

Mokugyo, well that's interesting,that's what they are alright. Looks like they are not particularly valuable, might bring 75.00-100.00 for the pair. I saw several just like them for sale on Google.

Just goes to show you never know what you might find shopping a thrift store !

Thanks again everyone,
                                   ;D

KC

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Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2009, 05:47:26 pm »
Learn something new every day!!!!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!