Needing Help to Identify Object

[artjunquie]

Hi! I picked this curious object up out in the wild as I was curious. It has had me stumped and google image searches have not resolved its purpose or origin. It appears to be hand forged of brass, bronze with no identifying markings. Your expertise and knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

 

[candd205]

Maybe part of a balance scale.

[melda58]

It might help to know the measurements - hard to tell from the photos.

Rita

[c*me*4*lefton*info]

Bowl-like parts look like copper (possibly hammered or heavy usage causing "dents"). Some type of cooking dish (along the lines of a wok), thinking something from the Far East. Possibly missing a handle of some type.

Any kind of provenance? Where bought, when bought, who was seller, etc.

[lacemaker3]

Are the two pieces both concave, so that they fit inside each other like two bowls in a stack?

Or does it make a rounded enclosure, with space inside, when they are closed?

I don't have any guesses about what this is, but I can't tell what the actual shape is from the pictures, and I figure that might help someone figure it out.

[lacemaker3]

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@artjunquie wrote:

Hi! I picked this curious object up out in the wild as I was curious. It has had me stumped and google image searches have not resolved its purpose or origin. It appears to be hand forged of brass, bronze with no identifying markings. Your expertise and knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

 

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Judging by the scale of the thumb holding this at the top of the picture, I think this is pretty small ... maybe 2 to 4 inches in diameter?

Are those applied wire loops? Could they be feet to let it stand and be stable on that side?

[artjunquie]

Thank You for your insight, it is greatly appreciated. 2 and 1/2 inches in diameter. two (2) bowls that meet and close forming a hollow space. The loops are not feet, they do not support object to stand.

[artjunquie]

Thank You for your insight, it is greatly appreciated. 2 and 1/2 inches in diameter. two (2) bowls that meet and close forming a hollow space, they do not nestle within one another. The loops are not feet, they do not support object to stand.

[artjunquie]

Thank You for your insight, it is greatly appreciated. 2 and 1/2 inches in diameter. two (2) bowls that meet and close forming a hollow space, they do not nestle within one another. The loops are not feet, they do not support object to stand. Metal looks like bronze or brass (non-magnetic). It does have a Far Eastern vibe, tribal vibe. I purchased this at a thrift store, outside of an American army base. I thought it might have been something picked up by a traveler. But, what is it, besides curious?

[mmadigan]

One thing I thought of was an "incense burner".  Instead of burning sticks it would be used with loose incense and if your wanted to put it out you would fold the other half down.   Is the interior of one of the 1/2 darker than the other half

[melda58]

You have written "two bowls that meet and close" several times.  Do you mean one sits on top of the other?  If so, please show a photo.  

Rita

[artjunquie]

I thought it might be a pendulum bob from an old grandfather clock, but there is no weight inside.

[artjunquie]

2 and 1/2 inches in diameter. two (2) bowls that meet and close forming a hollow space, they do not nestle within one another. The loops are not feet, they do not support object to stand.

[artjunquie]

Here are some more PICs. Thank You for your time, you are appreciated.  ... AJ 🙂

[artjunquie]

Yes, it seems a little sooty.