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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: junk250 on June 12, 2009, 08:35:16 PM

Title: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: junk250 on June 12, 2009, 08:35:16 PM

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 !

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: ironlord1963 on June 12, 2009, 10:15:43 PM

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

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: junk250 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 !!!

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: regularjoe2 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 .

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: D&b antiques on June 13, 2009, 12:11:23 PM

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

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: junk250 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

Title: Re: Hello all, What The Heck are these Carved Wooden things ? See Pics
Post by: KC on June 14, 2009, 05:47:26 PM

Learn something new every day!!!!