What on earth was this used for? Do you have any ideas?
THE ANSWER
- Material: Porcelain
- Size: 6" across
This very unique piece has a lid that comes off (the figures) revealing the inside of the piece as shown. When the lid is off two small (removable) cups are visible. The one with holes on the top is solid on the bottom. This is being offered at an estate sale, but so far no one has any ideas on what it might be, except possibly a small hatpin/hair pin holder.
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Comments
Definitely something for the ladies — could makeup or powder go into the cups?
A novelty holder for thimble & needles.
Salt cellar and toothpick holder?
I’m thinking food instead of needlecraft because of the tea table scene…
This is a lovely desktop writing set… most likely for a lady.
The “pot” on the left is the inkwell, and the one on the right is a sand shaker,…from which fine sand would be strewn over “milady’s” freshly written love letter to dry the ink before it was folded, sealed with hot wax and entrusted to the postman
One only can imagine what tender messages were written while the “penwoman” sat before this beautiful piece.
I think I must agree with Macquid – it’s all that makes sense. I thought of smelling salts but there’s no way to get the crystals into the perforated cup. So, sand shaker and inkwell gets my vote too!
I agree with Macgrid
I also thought it was a pen & ink set, but I think the piece with all of the holes (if it’s not a sand holder) might be a quill holder, where you would stick your quills when not in use.
I was thinking salt and pepper but the bottoms would not be solid. Therefore, I’m leaning more toward something for a vanity, having to do with make-up perhaps.
My answer was along the line of salt/pepper too, but MacQuid has me sold.
It’s just a guess, since s & p was mentioned already, along with sanding a letter so here goes. My ladies used to use a concoction for makeup (with lead componets in it) to make their skin seem pale and flawless, sometimes laid it on quite thick. Then some would lightly sprinkle a light powder on top of it to set. Just a guess.
I love how I can learn new things all the time online – I never knew there was such a thing as a sand shaker. Makes sense! It sounds quite plausible as a solution.
I’m thinking the function would have something to do with the parlor scene shown. Perhaps the cups would hold honey and sugar for tea? The man looks extremely happy. Perhaps he has more than tea in the pitcher at his feet.
Maybe the cups held accents for liquor drinks. Like salt for margharitas and maybe lime juice? I just can’t figure out how you would get anything into the shaker if the top does not come off.
I believe it is an ink set. small pot for the ink and the one with holes is for the quill to wipe extra ink from tip.
Does the piece have any markings on the bottom that would lead you to who the creator might be? If it does, this may provide clues as to its original use.
judjing from the scene this piece should belong on a dresssing
table,the small container will keep your hatpins in place and the
other container ,either your rings or maybe your lipstick?????
Cream & Sugar
I’m not sure I care what it is, but I love it! Where is it being auctioned? I wanna bid!
Don’t know why… but looking at it made me think of snuff. The ‘figures’ seem pretty happy… maybe it held some kind of ‘feel good medicine’ (the kind that’s illegal … LOL)
some kind of snuff holder?