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This small item, a model of a boat, is only 3 1/4 inches high by 4 inches long. It appears to be bronze (quite heavy, weighs just over 13 ounces, nice bright sound when struck, not magnetic). I have no idea what it is, nor its age (although looking at it, I've no reason to presume any antiquity, but that's, as my father used to say, talking through my hat). One friend theorized it might be a scroll weight, but she wasn't sure. The inside shows signs of exposure to heat, and there's a strange, lingering, almost petroleum scent, which kind of leads me away from incense. I would appreciate any and all thoughts.

That's apparently a Japanese depiction of the treasure ship "Takarabune" (宝船 - the sail has the Chinese version of 'takara' 寶 for treasure). This is the vessel the 'Seven Lucky Gods' sailed from China to Japan eons ago, so as to share their blessings with the Japanese. It seems these deities are off the boat at the moment, but have left behind their attributes, such as the cloth sack carried by Hotei, Daikokuten's hammer and the peach branch of Jurojin, among other items, which are visible on the deck. My impression is that a scroll weight should be smoother on the bottom, so this may just be an okimono for display. I wonder if it might have served as a cover to an incense burner, as staining to the underside looks like smoke that built up over a long enough period to become resistant to cleaning.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Many thanks, Bill. Interesting. Do you think I'd be right in assuming this is a relatively modern creation? Just curious.

Correct. I'd guess third quarter, 20th century or later. My subjective view is that older Japanese metal objects would usually be given a darker, chemically-induced patina. I get the impression that sometimes the manufacturing process might not have been considered finished until this step was taken. Also, after considering your comment on its weight, it may be that your ship was made from heavy spelter metal and given a brass plated skin, which process was used quite effectively in Japan during the 20th century. The plate sometimes will start peeling in spots. Might that be happening on the foot? Here's an example of a piece:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Art-Deco-Japanese-Diamond-Seahorse-Dragons-Foo-Dog-Spelter-Metal-Lidded-Censer/392149185235?

Best regards,

Bill H.

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