Unidentified metal item. Not sure if ornamental?

Hi all. Does anyone know how old this is, and what this might be used for (if anything)? The picture on the left part is of a man atop an ox, while the picture on the right hand side looks like some buildings.

Thanks

 

Oops. I saw you downloaded successfully before. What happened.

 

Oops. Thank you! Posted from my PC this time instead of my phone... Just went back to the "Create a thread & Pics" thread and followed the instructions. Fixed now...

 

That's Japanese. Mr. Fuji is the mountain. Flowers include cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums. Would/could you post a photograph of the bottom?

Debora

 

Think it's an ash tray perhaps for a pipe. Search terms "Japan," "ash tray" and "Mt. Fuji" will bring up many examples of vintage Japanese metal ash trays, many of them quite elaborate.

Debora

 

Seconded. Pipe ashtray.

 

nice piece of Japanese metalwork..

 

Thanks all! Here's a picture of the bottom

 

I don't see any marks. Do you?

Debora

 

The recess is in the shape of a gourd - you can see a similar one on the rim on the right side, and a more elongated gourd on the lower left.

"In Japan, the gourd is often associated with divinity and found in many regional folk tales stemming from Taoist beliefs. Its curvaceous shape is commonly met with affection as a symbol of good luck, good health and prosperity."
https://nalatanalata.com/journal/motifs-in-japanese-design/

The child (?) riding the ox appears to be holding a book, somewhat similar to this sculpture:

https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1682811

 

I can't make out any marks on the back either. The contrast between the ornate front and the rough back is interesting.

 

Thank you for that. Very interesting. Really appreciate everyone's help and insights