posted on June 18, 2006 07:30:29 PM
This is part of the items that I obtained when I helped my friend prepare to move. These were in the basement near her hubby's work bench and hidden behind some planks of wood. I hope someone can help me id the writing and hopefully translate it for me. The two brown wood fotos are of one piece. it is one side and then the reverse. My digital camera's batteries were very low. Anyway the 3 foto was with this one. The digital camera died before I could take fotos of the reverse.
As far as wbere tbey obtained these, I think they found them. The two of them traveled all over the US and mexico rock hounding. THey had some amazing specimens. I think they might have found these things near their "digs" I hope this makes sense. I sure hope someone can help. These are either trash or treasure.
[ edited by paloma91 on Jul 9, 2006 06:43 PM ]
posted on June 19, 2006 05:16:54 AM
You may want to try posting on the Antiques discussion board (find them under eBay's community, discussion boards, antiques). Give measurements, details of where you got them, approximate age, and a better close up of front. They always try to help, but can get brutally honest at times.
posted on June 19, 2006 06:52:52 AM
I really want you circle of friends - they have some interesting items.
They are interesting but what are they - plaques or something. I think I see a string on top of the first.
Could the last be lacquer? Probably too dull.
posted on June 19, 2006 08:37:42 AM
Neglas, they both have strings on them. Actually they are wires. I think He may have added them. My digital camera was dying. I need to go get some new batteries and take better fotos.Why would a plaque be carved with writing on both sides? COuld this be Japanese? If so, could this be something he would have found up north where the Japanese worked on the railroads in Northern california? I've seen remnants of cabins they used to use up there. Could this be something he found up there?
This couple was amazing. He was a merchant marine during WWII and traveled the world with his wife meeting him at each port. He made all the furniture in their house. (This is where I found the books on making your own mission furniture) I used to joke with them saying that they were the original hippies (1930's) He also was s DJ for a pretty popular local radio station years back.
posted on June 19, 2006 09:00:39 AM
I'm by no means an expert but they look chinese to me.
You mentioned that they also spent time in Mexico. I'm not sure about the time frame but at one time there was a grower that "imported" a few thousand chinese workers to work fields in what is now Mexicali in B.C. Mexico.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
posted on June 19, 2006 09:05:25 AM
fenix, It just could be. Anything is possible. I'll get some new batteries and take better fotos today. If I can't take better fotos of the writing, I'll do a rubbing of the wood. maybe that will show up better.
posted on July 9, 2006 06:39:44 PM new
Finally had time to try again to take fotos of the writing. It's the darnest hard thing I've tried to do in awhile. Also took fotos of the red wood thing. I'll post those in a minute
If this doesn't work, I'm going to try doing a rubbing
posted on July 9, 2006 06:48:59 PM new
Here is the red wooden hanging thing. Pleasea tell me what you think it is and which (if any) fotos you would use
posted on July 9, 2006 07:33:43 PM new
these are panels torn from old homes in China as they make room for new ones,they can be an altar ,or over the door or part of panels /room dividers.
Years ago ,they were much sought after along with the other old stuff like wedding baskets,luncheon boxes,puppets and soon repros follow.
You will find some of them listed on Ebay,yours could be authentic ones if the couple have them for so long.
As for the writings,they are a bunch of mumbo jumbo old saying on how to behave and be cultured and in tune with the unniverse??
/ lets all stop whining !! /
posted on July 9, 2006 09:26:11 PM new
WOW! How cool is that! Thanks so much. A piece of history. hwahwa, you can really read that on the wood? I guess it would help to have someone who can hold this thing in their hands to get a full translation as to what it says. The wood is old and termite eatten. I wonder what to do with it all now!
posted on July 10, 2006 11:03:10 AM new
No no no, it's part of an old opium crate and the writing says, The Commisar General states that the smoking of opium may be hazardous to your health!
posted on July 10, 2006 07:34:08 PM new
piinthesky. actually the old opium crate is still outside in the patio holding some other stuff from the house (grin)
