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Does anyone know the origins of this crackled glazed turtle, - or tortoise form - what I believe could be an incense-stick holder as I have seen something similar in design and use? Pondering Though it could be a ink pen holder, - caligraphy pens - as of what I have been told so far is that it's probably Chinese, or Japanese in origin. Due to its very light green colour, - in which can hardly be seen in the photographs, it has been suggested it was likely either made in Longquan Celadon, China, - or the Somayaki region in Japan. Pondering

Origins & Age - Circa Late 1800's - Early 1900's

On its base is a impressed stamp with "Foreign", - this is because during certain periods the USA, England and some other countries, they imposed a law that all imported items must be marked by the country of origin having until 1923 for complete marks. In the meantime countries like England and France just marked their pieces with "England" instead of "Made in England", which was required in 1923; however, some countries such as China and Japan simply marked their goods "foreign" between 1893 and 1923 - meaning they were export products, - going outside their own countries - and therefore a export duty was imposed.

Condition & Size

Approx. size L12cm x W8cm H4cm 325gms in weight. In excellent condition for it's age and what it's made from which appears to be some kind of heavy-earthenware-stone, that has then been shaped and covered in a glaze that cracks when fired; the close-up photographs show around the bottom edges of the base - and even though slight sections of stone my be visible in parts, its how the glaze runs and settles before cracking into position, so those markings are not damage, or inferior firing as the finish is exactly what the "potter" - maker would have been happy to achieve. In addition, the interior of each hole has too been glazed all the way through; by doing so makes the surrounds of the holes more stronger and therefore less wear-and-tear. The "Foreign" stamp-mark is as crisp and clear as the day it was first made.

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