Featured Tiny Carved Ivory Shaker

I have no clue what this little shaker could have been used for. I am pretty sure it is ivory although the photos probably do not show that very well. This little piece is only 1.5" long. Any ideas what it was for or the age or origin? Thanks in advance!

 

I don't see any grain that would indicate ivory. Are we sure that's what it is? Perhaps it's just the photos, but I don't think that's what it is.

 

This may be it ...
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/295871-carved-ivory-rose-vinaigrette?in=liked-this-week

 

That one is definitely ivory. You can see the grain in the photographs. Not sure about this one, though.

 

vivaigrettes were made of silver

 

A teeny tiny doll/baby rattle? Curious!

 

CELLULOID was a hard plastic meant to look like ivory. If it's tiny tiny it might be for a new born.

Oh, i.5 inches is extremely tiny. Yes maybe it was for a doll, A celluliod doll.

 

Not only!!! Carved corozo nut... Wood...

 

I think it is!

 

Could it be tagua?

Here's another:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-gb/item/16101529_victorian-ivory-vinaigrettescent-bottle

And a vinaigrette handled walking cane:
https://www.hutchinsonscott.co.uk/e...eshell-veneered-stick-96cm-overall-/lot_7_342

 

Thanks to all for the great feedback!

 

Have run across a few similar ivory pieces before, enough of them in pairs to believe they're salt/pepper shakers, likely early 20th century or even a bit earlier. Pomanders were made in various materials, and certainly in ivory, but they usually had several holes/pierced areas over most of the piece, and though they might also be considered vinaigrettes, for the most part I usually expect a cover/lid on those - but no real problem for me in either term being used. Would also think if this little item were a pomander, that rather than a handle, it would have a way to hang it from a chatelaine, watch chain, whatever - the pomander canes/walking sticks were a different kind of item, originally carried centuries ago by physicians for use in 'treatment', they became a traditional symbol for doctors and were often presented as gifts...


A quick search found this pair of ivory shakers:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/46084449_miscellaneous-lot-of-carved-ivory-including-a-japanese




And these two singles:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/268476_458-miniature-ivory-casters



~Cheryl

 

Thank you DragonflyWink!