The Mystery
What is breakable, shaped like a leaf, and has 4 holes in it?
I don’t know…. That’s why you’re here!
The item
This little gem has been stumping us. It measures about 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. It has four holes in it which point at differing angles. A pencil will fit through 3 of the holes, but not the fourth. It does not sit flat. The glaze on this ceramic piece is stunning.
Win big (well, win anyway…)
We’re at a loss to explain it’s use, so why don’t you try?
All ridiculous comments appreciated! In fact, the most entertaining comment(as voted on by the three judges, Wes, Renee, and Shyla) will get the backup prize, and the first person to point me towards fairly credible evidence of what this actually is, gets a choice of two gifts explained below.
The Prizes
Three fascinating brass leaves, kinda a mystery as well, or two colorful woven coasters.
But wait, there’s more!
As a thanks for visiting our blog, stop by our shop through March 1 2011, and use coupon code “mystery1” to receive %18 off any purchases.
Search Amazon for:
Ceramics
Some Guesses?
UPDATE
I feel like MythBusters. We ran some experiments and are awarding a prize to the most plausible case. The flower frog seemed like a forerunner, but no matter what size vase we used or how we tried to sit the thing on top, it never really balanced right. The flowers in the holes are what kept it in place. It clearly didn't strike us as being built for such a purpose. Incense holder? It was damn near impossible to get four sticks balanced in the holes without then touching each other or falling out. Several other ideas held intrigue. However the one that actually seems the most plausible is "The Tea Bag Holder" . It actually fits nicely on the rim of the mug and the main area sits parallel with the floor in this configuration. We found that with it on the inside, the bag actually sat under the water, but then you could lift the bag and with the back of a tea spoon press all the water out nicely.
Cograts to Inge, your brass leaves are on the way!
Some Guesses?
UPDATE
I feel like MythBusters. We ran some experiments and are awarding a prize to the most plausible case. The flower frog seemed like a forerunner, but no matter what size vase we used or how we tried to sit the thing on top, it never really balanced right. The flowers in the holes are what kept it in place. It clearly didn't strike us as being built for such a purpose. Incense holder? It was damn near impossible to get four sticks balanced in the holes without then touching each other or falling out. Several other ideas held intrigue. However the one that actually seems the most plausible is "The Tea Bag Holder" . It actually fits nicely on the rim of the mug and the main area sits parallel with the floor in this configuration. We found that with it on the inside, the bag actually sat under the water, but then you could lift the bag and with the back of a tea spoon press all the water out nicely.
Cograts to Inge, your brass leaves are on the way!
this is a great idea for a post! I would love you to do one for the team blog! but ...my guess is that it could be a flower frog of some kind.
ReplyDeletethanks for the challenge.
martha
opendoorstudio.etsy.com ( signed in under my retail shop name)
Flower Frog
ReplyDeletePerforated Chopstick Holder
Wall hook
Strainer for a person on a diet :)
Miniature flower frog
Incense holder
Shop: Vintage Clothing Dreams
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageClothingDream
I think it was a pottery piece destined the handle of a bowl. Maybe the potter worked in mixed media and attached their handles with cord, wire, etc..
ReplyDeleteMaybe?
OR:
A. 4 year old's birthday candle holder
B. frog egg depository
C. Incense holder for the kind of house that requires 4 sticks going at once.
I think it is a wall hook, except it attaches to a beam, so the hook part is accessible.
ReplyDeleteor
a mashed potato tool!
I'll have to wait for my morning coffee before anything witty arrives in my brain but even half asleep I can appreciate the fun of this blog! AND I did check out your shop-I have my eye on something but did you really mean to say 18% off any purchase? That's VERY generous, so I'd like to make sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that it's a teabag drainer. Maybe it sits on the rim of your cup and once the teabag has steeped plenty, then you can lay it on the strainer and let it cool, so you don't burn your fingers....
ReplyDeleteHow about them apples??? :)
Just guessing, really!
Judy, you read right %18, so go shopping! I see in my future some "testing" of these ideas... ;)
ReplyDeleteI thought about this all night and my best guess is that it was indeed a strainer of some sort, as some of your fellow sleuths suggested. I wondered if it was perhaps for a lemon wedge because of its size and the size of its holes? Maybe the lemon seeds wouldn't go through those holes as easily as tea leaves would.
ReplyDeleteHowever, now having seen the other guesses, they all make sense!
Thanks so much for coming up with this game ~ what fun!! And thanks too, for immortalizing Mr. Bear Bowl on your blog. You and your great family have become part of his story in our family too, and we couldn't have wished to find him from any nicer people before he came to live with us. You've heard of lifting a glass to toast someone; well, we'll make sure our granddaughter lifts a spoon to you all, one of these days, in honor of Mr. Bear!
Would make a really cool button and hook closure...would be pretty on an oriental style shirt.
ReplyDeleteOurBookShelf@etsy