Antique Zsolnay thingy

I grabbed this at the house clearance guys stall on Saturday. I've picked up a few Zsolnay items over the years but invariably they have had the more modern green oval mark on. This one has an older mark on. I have looked at it up and it's end of the 19th century. Not sure of its purpose. Pot pourri or trinket perhaps.

 

a new one on me mate, i thought it was japanese untill i saw the mark

 

It's marked Made in Hungary, which didn't exist on its own until 1919. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before that. No idea what it was for if not a ring, pin, or hatpin holder if those holes go through.

 

You've never heard of Zsolnay? It's quite collectible. Some pieces are quite fantastic. Have a gander on ebay

 

Okay thanks. The holes made me think pot pourri but no point in holes as it is so open anyway. Possibility on the hat pin idea

 

no defo havn't, willtake a look though

don't think i'll be able to miss one if i see it and similar

 

No idea on its purpose, but it's a sweet little thing. Looked through Federico's 'Zsolnay Pottery' (1998), found nothing like it, but this charger has some similarities in decoration:




'Made in Hungary' addressed above the 2nd blue mark:




~Cheryl

 

It rather looks like a salt pig but I don't know if it is.

 

Thanks Cheryl.

 

Not heard of a salt pig. I'll look it up.

 

I have, but it's been a while.

 

luminaire or votive holder?

 

I will definitely have to Google those.

 

Is that a posh name for a tea light holder?

 

For a tea light was what I was thinking. Could be an ashtray for all I know, LOL.

 

Yes, it is.