Age, Origin and Use...

...of this wooden item with cork?

Size: 6 in.

Thank you!

 

My WAG on the origin is auction house

 

Is that writing on it or is it made from a straight piece of antler?

 

If no one gets it I'm happy to invent what it is. It will be credible, convincing and complete rubbish.

 

How deep is the hollow? Could it be a needle case? or a hand made nib holder?

 

No AF, just wear. It's carved wood, not antler.

 

It's hollowed almost to the base.
I'll check needle cases and nib holders. Thank you!

 

My first thought was thermometer holder or file holder.

 

I think it may be a Japanese 'kiseruzutsu' or pipe case. Obviously the cork is new and alien to it. The grooves in the side were for cords meeting at the bottom, bound round the incurved part with an extension to hang on the obi, possibly with a wood netsuke to secure it.

Probably Meiji period, but this is the standard way of saying 'It's old but I have no idea how old'

 

Thanks, Trip & AF, for your thoughts on this item. I'll look into it and see what I can find.

Thank you!