Posted 9 years ago
RAIZINBOYZ
(7 items)
Unusual item made of brass with a "lid" that can be lifted up. It doesn't actually come off. It is triangular in shape and is painted with what looks like some type of writing. It measures about 3 1/2' tall and is 4" long and 3 1/2" wide. I picked it up at a thrift shop, so I don't know anything at all about it. The top looks like a cigarette would fit in it. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks
i think that this is a cigarette dispenser.
That is Arabic script. It is NOT a cigarette dispenser.
I just realized there is no religion categories here! Like Judaica or Islamica. Which is CRAZY! Christian & Catholic items can easily fit into other categories, but other religions are CULTURALLY entwined with their religions.
Your piece is Islamic - but I have no idea the significance of the item, or what it is used for . It would be GREAT of there were a RELIGIOS arifacts category, then a breakdown for Judaica (Jewish artifacts) and Islamica (Muslim artifacts) Arabic artifacts etc.
There is an entire ASIAN category, but the entire Middle East is ignored. I sent an email asking for a Religious category.
Smoking is 'haram' .... but I am looking at the object and it seems very similar to the wooden versions you see that mysteriously dispense a cigarette .... I'm just looking for an alternative function. I'm wondering what the Arabic text says ???
Agree with cultcha-- it is a cigarette dispense.
Decorative arabic writing is often found on utilitarian objects. Similar work with a brass base and small threads of copper and silver is found on early 20th century trench art objects.
Here is an example of a trench art humidor:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/168026-ww1-damascus-trench-art-humidor
I don't see anything to suggest that this piece is trench art. The trench art is just presented to show similar work on utilitarian pieces.
scott
Here is a wood example from the same region:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/255930206/jerusalem-cigarette-dispenser-israel
scott
Well, how do they dispense? :/