What is this Seymour Mann Blue China?

[lewmel]

Does anyone have an idea to what this piece is used for, or what the pattern name is?
The bottom reads Blue China for Seymour Mann.
Thanks for the help!

[sapphire]

Taking a wild guess here, flower/candle holder?

[lewmel]

I thought about a flower holder, but after looking at the other Seymour Mann stuff, it did not really fit in!

[KC]

My thoughts were a potpourri holder (holes to allow scent out) and candle holder.

what does the bottom look like?

Incense holder?  holes for stick style or small cups for cone style?

[talesofthesevenseas]

I think since it has one flat side, at first I thought was meant to sit against a wall, so it probably would not hold candles, due to fire danger.

Then I realized it may be only half of the object, and the other matching semicircle is missing. It looks like there might be some kind of drain plug on the bottom? In which case I would guess its a flower arranger with half missing and that candles go in the cups. A ship theme seems like a strange motif for a table centerpiece though. I could not find it on other Mann pieces. Hmmm... Interesting.

[lewmel]

The thing on the bottom is not a drain plug, it does not come off or move.  It is just there to support the piece.  The small cup shapes on top are also secured onto the piece.  And dont think it was made for incense, there is not access to the inside.  If you put incense in the holes, you could not put them out, or clean up the mess inside.

[wendy177]

I do agree with Tales & think it is part of the piece.
I don't think it would be for candles as the wax would melt into the small holes and as lewmel said it can not be cleaned  out. This is one that is gonna nudge at me until someone finds the answer!!!! Maybe hot water is poured into the small holes to fill and three minute eggs are placed in what looks like egg cups to be kept warm for serving but as not to cook further??

[KC]

Would really like a pic of the bottom and the back side!!!!

[lewmel]

here are a few more pics!

[wendy177]

This is what is called a bough pot  - It was customary in English homes to arrange flowers and branches in the hearth during the summer months when the fireplace was not in use. These arrangements were referred to as “bough pots.” here is an example from Wedgwood http://www.bardith.com/cu/bdsi_18_6637cu.htm  The earliest made I have found is c 1775 they come in many shapes & sizes. Prices vary greatly.  ( boy I was way off eggs & all)

[cogar]

Ah so, then the 3 "cupped" openings must have been to add water .

[lewmel]

Thank you All so Much!

[lewmel]

After Wendy figured out that it was a bough pot, I have been trying to research it to determine value and its age.  And there is nothing on the web!  I can not even find the years China Blue made items for Seymour Mann.  Anyone have any ideas?

[sapphire]

This is the only thing so far that I have found which refers to dating China Blue.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_did_Seymour_Mann_manufacture_the_china_blue_pattern

[wendy177]

This is what I have found for Seymour Mann  -  For over 50 years, Seymour Mann has been one of the leading importers of decorative accessories and collectibles in the U.S.A. A business started over three decades ago by Seymour Mann and his well known artist wife, Eda. For many years Eda did the designing which set Seymour Mann apart from other importers.  I believe any blue & white china they called china blue and they had many companies making many pieces even from Japan you would need to find the name of your pattern & search that. I believe the company is still operating (could be wrong) but I would try to contact them & see if they hold any records or could help you identify your pattern.  good luck