Found in CHina - what are these walnuts for ?

[ed9119]

came across these in a few places in China ...... they seem to cost from a couple of dollars to a few hundred dollars for a pair

forgot to ask the vendors while I was there so checking with anyone who knows a little information on these ?

are they natural or carved ? what are they used for ? or just only for display ? etc etc

thanks for any advise

curious

 

[Sion]

They are from the eunuchs?

 

[edutilos-]

Is it this?

Chinese Dragon Carved Walnut Shells, ca. 1910 | Roadshow Archive | PBS
Nut carving

 

[kei1309]

USD$2000 for a pair of chinese nuts?

 

[Sion]

USD$2000 for a pair of chinese nuts?

Only one eunuch can produce two in his lifetime.

 

[ed9119]

seriously , any clues ?

 

[edutilos-]

seriously , any clues ?

I thought I posted up some links...

They seem to be walnut shell carvings, but the examples I found look so much nicer than what you have posted..

 

[allenleonhart]

I thought I posted up some links...

They seem to be walnut shell carvings, but the examples I found look so much nicer than what you have posted..

walnuts before they were carved?

 

[ed9119]

I thought I posted up some links...

They seem to be walnut shell carvings, but the examples I found look so much nicer than what you have posted..

yes thanks .... but the ones i have come across seem like naturally formed

 

[kei1309]

doesn't seem to be anything special about those walnuts uncle Ed saw. no markings or anything whatsoever.

might just be another tourist souvenir where they claim the markings are carved. much like the "ancient" chinese coins sold at tourist traps

 

[bonrya]

It's for massaging the hands one is it?

Or you crack open got small child one?

 

[tsumetiv]

It's for massaging the hands one is it?

Or you crack open got small child one?

Since you mentioned it is sold in a pair, I think possible that it is those massage the hand one. Put a pair in your hand and rotate them around your palm :think:

 

[cks2k2]

Since you mentioned it is sold in a pair, I think possible that it is those massage the hand one. Put a pair in your hand and rotate them around your palm :think:

For massage is 2 large metal balls not walnuts.

 

[pinholecam]

Or are they rocks that are carved to look like walnuts?

For massage is 2 large metal balls not walnuts.

Walnuts to massage the nuts

 

[tsumetiv]

For massage is 2 large metal balls not walnuts.

Global Times - Hand massage is the nuts :bsmilie:

 

[edutilos-]

walnuts before they were carved?

I think so... I've been looking for all things I can think of...

But carvings seems to tie in more with what is in the pictures, there are stands for the walnuts. Suspect it is one of those customisable things - instead of having a stack of blank seals to carve, you have blank walnuts to carve? :dunno:

 

[edutilos-]

Or are they rocks that are carved to look like walnuts?

Won't it be easier to buy a walnut. :bsmilie:

 

[edutilos-]

Global Times - Hand massage is the nuts :bsmilie:

You have got to be kidding me........

 

[rhino123]

Walnut art maker: Lu Xiaorong CCTV News - CNTV English

I think walnuts are actually being use for quite a number of things

1) food (obviously) it is a good source of chinese herbs - known to be good for the brain.
2) Art
3) Medical usage - massage the hands (normally two or more would be needed)

 

[allenleonhart]

I think so... I've been looking for all things I can think of...

But carvings seems to tie in more with what is in the pictures, there are stands for the walnuts. Suspect it is one of those customisable things - instead of having a stack of blank seals to carve, you have blank walnuts to carve? :dunno:

yep. i'll think yours is the most plausible

hand nuts is the next most likely, judging from the stand pairs...