Description
Carved stone object. walnut-sized center flower (water lily, lotus?) hollowed out with dime-sized opening in top. Grey/greenish/beige.
Category
Asian Art
Medium
Stone (soapstone?)
Distinguishing marks
none
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
9cm x 3.5cm x 4cm
Date Period
older than 50 years
Weight
6oz.
History
unknown
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
unknown
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: Carved Stone Object
This is a japanese prayer shrine candle holder. Used in japan, visitors to the local shrines would set a lit candle and pray for good luck or to appease a spirit. The flower is a japanese water lilly budding. Usually handmade by the shrine maidens and blessed by the priests, these are worth at auction around 75-100 american dollars. A side note, A japanese collector might pay more do to the cultural significance.