Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics

[junk250]

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 !

[ironlord1963]

My first guess would be like wood blocks for music (percussion).

[junk250]

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 !!!

[regularjoe2]

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]

And the paint work. is typical of the 1940's.

[junk250]

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,
                                   

[KC]

Learn something new every day!!!!