Featured carved monkeys head + few others

hi everyone

picked up a few carved items at a shop closing yesterday, take what you want and make a donation type (my favourite type )

im thinking inkwell for the monkey head, not sure the age for bird astray, not sure if its old or made to look, folk art?

the 3 others look pretty naffy, but thought were worth picking up

any thought or info on the pieces appreciated

 

I don’t think it’s a mug, but that’s what they call it here
https://picclick.com/Treenware-hand-carved-wood-wooden-MONKEY-HEAD-BOX-142729266463.html

 

hi inh long time no speak

couldnt find one at all last night like so once again your a star

liking that sold price as well !!!!!

 

They call this one a humidor
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/m...eys-head-switzerland-circa-1920/id-f_7517143/

 

The monkey head seems to have quite a lot of ink stains, so it may be an inkwell missing it’s glass/ceramic liner. The screw thing could be a nutcracker.

 

Here’s one similar described as an inkwell.

 

I think size will determine whether it is an ink well or humidor.

 

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0028/lot-cb39435e-8e9f-45d1-8115-a43d016a4f26

 

Last photo, stone carving on right, is from east Africa - Kenya / Zimbabwe - made of kisii stone, a local type of soapstone. Possibly by a Shona carver.

 

hi cc

its only about 2 3/4 inches tall, so more likely ink well i presume

 

thanks houseful, nutcracker is a great shout

 

I would agree, plus you have all the ink stains to support it.

 

thanks tmb, dont think its got any value, i just couldnt work out what stone it was made from

its got a lovely tactile feel to it though, suprisingly tactile

 

Hi Charlie! LOVE the bird part of that ash tray!! If those eyes in that monkey are put in straight on....WATCH OUT....THEY WILL FOLLOW YOU EVERYWHERE!!!!!

 

Love the bird too. The monkey is nice quality, but it gives me a headache.
The Buddha is probably from Indonesia.

 

thanks aj, yeah the thin metal legs gives it a disconnect, where it looks like it could flee, and it probably will after trying to eat a fag end !!

 

Fag ends and birds don't mix.

 

Nutcracker is right on !
Dad had one next to our bowl of walnuts .... in the den.
I never understood what a bowl of walnuts were doing in the den.....I never saw anyone eat them.....but I used that nutcracker to bust them up....when I was bored !!!

 

that sounds quite tempting actually komo, just for the satisfying crack of it !!

 

I had a similar one for years; it opened almonds a treat but wasn't much use for harder-shelled nuts. Shona carvings used to be worth something, went into the tank for a while, and if we're lucky are climbing again. I love the stone they use.