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Here is an oriental item that I just can't figure out. It looks Japanese to me but I can't be sure. It is handmade of a pewter looking metal, but I don't even know what it is made of. And I can't imagine the purpose of the two pots that fit inside each other - the third picture was taken with a block inside so the inner pot is visible but I don't know how high it would have been when used. It came with some old newspaper inside that I can take a picture of if that would help or any other pictures requested. Also strange - the insides of both pots are black with use but the bottoms of both look clean. If anyone can help with the material its made of, its age, or even what it was used for I would be very grateful.

Thank you!

Let me add that I do not think this is particularly old or valuable - I bought it at a thrift store and I'm guessing it's early to mid 20th century. I really wonder mostly where it was made and what it was used for.

There are no maker marks, so I think it was not meant for export but for home use in country it was made in. I've enclosed another pic showing handwork (and irregular ripples in metal surface) and pics of the newspaper that was stuffed inside - maybe someone can figure out the nationality and maybe get an approximate date (which would show the date it was last packed into someone's attic).

Finally, since I'm new here I changed my name since it looks like there is another Jeff who has posted in the past. And also since I'm new can I ask what kind of art is of most interest here - I have a lot of cast metal and carved wood figural pieces, wood masks, dolls, 19th and 20 century prints (but the prints are packed up away from light) and a couple pieces of pottery that I've collected over the past 30 years which I'm interested in researching.

Thank you in advance for any help - I've already learned a lot reading previous posts and articles on the site.

My guess is that it is a beverage cooler. You put ice and water in the outer pot. Insert the inner pot and put the beverage you want cooled inside the inner pot. You then pour the cooled beverage through the spout.

Cheers,
Stan

Stan, thanks for your reply! The smaller pot holds only about 2/3 cup of liquid. Would this be to cool sake or something else - what temp would it be served at? Have you ever seen anything like this before? And can you tell whether the newspaper is Japanese?

The newspaper was printed in Korean, probably published in South Korea. B

Let's see - no, no, no, and no.

Sorry I can't help. I've never seen anything like that. That was my guess.

Cheers,
Stan

Bill and Stan, thanks! Korean, huh? That's a surprise. I wonder what traditional drinks they have in Korea? Time for some research.

Hi,
I have a small pot of very similar construction.
Mine is signed though.
It is Chinese .And I was told it is a wine warmer.
Regards

Thanks for the reply. Could you send pics of yours and the signature? Wine warmer - rice wine (sake) maybe? Does yours have a top?

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