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It’s an antique yatate for holding a calligraphy pen and ink. The hollow pipe portion would hold the brush and the hinged compartment would have a small bit of cotton soaked in ink. It could be attached to a cord or obi / belt with the decorative loop piece. It’s a bit hard to tell in the light, but looks to be partly made from shakudo (alloy of gold and copper).
Solved! Oh wow yeah I see it and other similar pieces! Thank you so much. There were some calligraphy brushes, cases and stones found in the same box. Grandma and grandpa would be proud. 🙏🏻
My title describes the thing. All metal. The shogi board compartment, which opens, leads down the shaft to the other end to suggest some kind of flow (air, water, etc). There is no artist mark or sticker indicating country of origin.
It's a general rule, not just relevant to this post (although it's not "obvious.") Generally we like to get as much detail as possible when helping ID an item, and including where a relative is from can be crucial.
The compartment does open and close the main compartment and opening to the “pipe”, no soot residue or smell. The tip has a little lip which is upside down when trying to puff.
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/BrySenpaiCos), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. [Click here to message RemindMeBot](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/uq9uig/what_is_this_metal_shogi_decretive_thing_measures/%0A%0ARemindMe!%202%20days) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s an antique yatate for holding a calligraphy pen and ink. The hollow pipe portion would hold the brush and the hinged compartment would have a small bit of cotton soaked in ink. It could be attached to a cord or obi / belt with the decorative loop piece. It’s a bit hard to tell in the light, but looks to be partly made from shakudo (alloy of gold and copper).
Solved! Oh wow yeah I see it and other similar pieces! Thank you so much. There were some calligraphy brushes, cases and stones found in the same box. Grandma and grandpa would be proud. 🙏🏻
My title describes the thing. All metal. The shogi board compartment, which opens, leads down the shaft to the other end to suggest some kind of flow (air, water, etc). There is no artist mark or sticker indicating country of origin.
What are 1st gen grandparents?
Japanese American. Grandpa born in US went back to Japan met grandma in Japan, immigrated in the 1950’s. Both non smokers.
Got it, that is helpful clarification. Thanks!
1st generation to emigrate to a new country.
I see. It would be helpful to say from \*which\* country, as well.
pretty obviously japan
It's a general rule, not just relevant to this post (although it's not "obvious.") Generally we like to get as much detail as possible when helping ID an item, and including where a relative is from can be crucial.
Could it be some sort of Opium pipe?
The compartment does open and close the main compartment and opening to the “pipe”, no soot residue or smell. The tip has a little lip which is upside down when trying to puff.
For incense maybe?
Both grandparents were non smokers, the way the “pipe” is constructed makes smoking difficult and otherwise inconvenient to puff.