Ceramic iron ID

Any idea on age and origin of this iron.

 

Portuguese? Italian?

 

Post-WWII; they didn't think sad irons were "cute" until then. I'd guess 1950s/60s Italian but it could be late 60s Japanese with the paper label MIA.

 

And strictly decorative looking. But what are all those holes along the sides at the bottom for?

 

I'm guessing potpourri. The holes would let air circulate and let the scent out.

 

Good guess, eve. I was thinking maybe, but then got hung up on whether the little pieces would fall out.

 

I think possibly later than the 50s-60s
Maybe 70s-80s.

Were garlic keepers popular then?
What about a kitchen scouring pad holder?

 

It might be from Hong Kong or Japan if it is 70s-80s

 

Dimensions would help in considering possible uses - of which there are probably many.

 

Censer, holes let air in, smoke out. Well I couldn't think of a reasonable use for the thing so that's all I have. The holes are probably just decorative, resembling the vents on steam irons, who knows?

 

Good morning, Sue/baker! This iron is representing a box iron. Sometimes called a charcoal iron Heated charcoal or a heated slug was placed in the bottom compartment to keep it hot. The holes allowed air in to keep the charcoal burning. Here are Google images of charcoal irons.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coa...ved=0ahUKEwiLzY739NvJAhVLOyYKHT9ECOAQ_AUIBygC

First paragraph under history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothes_iron#History_and_development_of_flatirons
and described in the listing of types as:
"Box iron, ironing box, charcoal iron, ox-tongue iron or slug iron"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothes_iron#Types_and_names

--- Susan

 

Susan I think you are right. Charcoal Irons were used (and made) in these parts of the world until mid 20th century.
What I can see on this piece that it is purely decorative

 

There is no doubt it is for decorative purposes only for no totally ceramic anything would be used as an iron. Here's one similar to yours made in Italy that is called a trinket box.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/215423124/italian-vintage-ceramic-iron-ceramic

--- Susan

 

Yes.
Sorry I didnt mention the size:
- Height 6.8 inch
- Widht 3.5 inch
- length 6.8 inch
It is smaller than the functional iron ones and it was not made in Balkan area for sure.

 

Italian souvenir.