Featured Help with unknown (wooden I think) item - netsuke?

Hi, putting this in the general discussion as I'm not sure what it is or what it's made of.
My thought was that it might be a netsuke and carved from wood.
They look a bit like bells like on a rattle, and I would have thought they were carved seed pods if it were not for the handles. The carving on them near the opening does look like a seed pod though - so they might be meant to emulate them.
I can move it to another forum if anyone has any ideas where would be suitable.
Once again, thanks in advance for your help.

 

Please give us an idea of the size - is the handle linked to the bell shaped objects a size that could be held by an adult hand? Do the bells rattle?

It does not look like a netsuke of any sort.

 

They were carved from one piece of wood. Looks like some type of rattle.

 

Hi - the 'handle' is approx 4cm long and can be held, but quite small.
Each 'bell' not including the handle is about 3x3cm. There is nothing inside them, they only rattle against each other.
Agreed, they don't look like the usual type of netsuke, but they as they are sculptural in form and very tactile, so thought they might be something that was handled a lot.
The carving reminds me of those carved walnuts that I think are Japanese

 

Oh wow, I wonder if they are Indonesian then, they are very good at that. I did also wonder if I'm overthinking it and it's just simply a key ring.

 

similar ... not all wood ...
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/primitive-bell-baby-rattle-hand-held-1780995479

 

Yes, those are exactly the type of bell I was meaning, but mine are definitely wooden. Thank you

 

Definitely not netsuke, ojime, or any part of an inro. If you hold this by the handle & shake the bells about, do you end up whacking yourself in the fingers? Considered a religious use; size suggests for baby/child.

 

Thanks Bronwen. Yes, you whack your knuckles! What religion/country would that be?

 

Fertility rattle? I wonder what kind of wood. It's different/ alien-like.

 

Just speculating from the general knowledge that making a loud noise is part of some religious traditions, such as clapping the hands loudly to get the attention of the gods.

 

Oops

 

I really hope not

 

Baby Jesus rattle? Over 2000 yrs old?

 

They might be Korean Moktaks - wooden percussion instruments used in Buddhist rituals. They are made in a variety of sizes, some decoratively carved with lotus imagery (like yours). I don't know why yours would be linked with the metal rings, though. I believe they are usually used as single instruments, with the small wood striker.

https://picclick.com/Lotus-Carving-Wooden-Moktak-4-Korean-Wooden-Fish-Temple-Block-113300167495.html


https://picclick.com/Moktak-Wooden-fish-Knocker-Traditional-Korea-Buddhist-MuYu-262903734225.html


https://www.stillsitting.com/shop/meditation-supplies/drums-clappers/moktak-korean-drum/

https://www.lionsroar.com/dharma-dictionary-moktak/

 

I think you're right 2manybooks - maybe a souvenir version of the real thing? The wee "handle" looks like the striker. Mine definitely look a lot older than anything I can find online.