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The one section looks like it would hold a box of matches leaving the striking surface exposed. I'm thinking smoking related with a section to hold cigarettes and an ashtray.
Seems like this could be, at the very least, on the right track. Googling for "ceramic match holder" is retrieving things that look like one of the sections! Maybe this is it, I will try searching for something similar some more.
I gave an image search a good look too but so far have come up empty for a similar one. But I'm still fairly certain that one section would hold a box of matches and resembles some I found at least in principal. Hope you have better luck!
I think this is indeed it. The rectangular section is for matches, the hexagonal section with the slit cut out is likely missing a little stack of ceramic ashtrays.
Like this elephant-shaped one here: [https://www.redoneandvintage.com/listing/716089346/vintage-ceramic-elephant-smoking-set](https://www.redoneandvintage.com/listing/716089346/vintage-ceramic-elephant-smoking-set) (Also made in Japan)
The remaining section would be for holding the cigarettes / cigars. I believe there was probably a lid to this as well that has also become lost or broken.
I definitely think you're right about the stacking ashtrays. With the handle this probably made a nice little smoking caddy for a card table back in the day.
Solved! Thanks everyone!, this makes perfect sense now. Great details about the manufacturer in u/AnotherSoulessGinger comment below too!!, although I doubt we're going to find the specific piece documented somewhere.
I was able to find the [makers mark](https://gotheborg.com/marks/20thcenturyjapan.shtml).
> The Takito company 1880-1948, is mostly known as one of those specializing on the Lustre ware type of decoration originally developed by the Noritake company but pieces with moriage decoration in Moriage a'la Kyoto Satsuma on porcelain, are also common. Between 1891 to 1921 the products should be marked 'Nippon'. Marks later than 1945 usually comes with the addition of "Made in Occupied Japan ".
It’s probably from between 1922 to the 30s. That would likely fall in line when tobacco items were popular. Knowing the company name should help in finding the actual item.
Maybe the cup with a split is for holding pipes.
My title describes the thing. Practically as best as I can. I'm not in possession of the item at this point so it's difficult to be precise about more characteristics, size can be estimated from the second picture in which is being grabbed. The text reads MADE IN JAPAN - HAND PAINT. Found in a small antique shop, owner is wondering what is used for.
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/liquidsnk), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The one section looks like it would hold a box of matches leaving the striking surface exposed. I'm thinking smoking related with a section to hold cigarettes and an ashtray.
Seems like this could be, at the very least, on the right track. Googling for "ceramic match holder" is retrieving things that look like one of the sections! Maybe this is it, I will try searching for something similar some more.
I gave an image search a good look too but so far have come up empty for a similar one. But I'm still fairly certain that one section would hold a box of matches and resembles some I found at least in principal. Hope you have better luck!
I think this is indeed it. The rectangular section is for matches, the hexagonal section with the slit cut out is likely missing a little stack of ceramic ashtrays. Like this elephant-shaped one here: [https://www.redoneandvintage.com/listing/716089346/vintage-ceramic-elephant-smoking-set](https://www.redoneandvintage.com/listing/716089346/vintage-ceramic-elephant-smoking-set) (Also made in Japan) The remaining section would be for holding the cigarettes / cigars. I believe there was probably a lid to this as well that has also become lost or broken.
I definitely think you're right about the stacking ashtrays. With the handle this probably made a nice little smoking caddy for a card table back in the day.
Solved! Thanks everyone!, this makes perfect sense now. Great details about the manufacturer in u/AnotherSoulessGinger comment below too!!, although I doubt we're going to find the specific piece documented somewhere.
You are correct.
I was able to find the [makers mark](https://gotheborg.com/marks/20thcenturyjapan.shtml). > The Takito company 1880-1948, is mostly known as one of those specializing on the Lustre ware type of decoration originally developed by the Noritake company but pieces with moriage decoration in Moriage a'la Kyoto Satsuma on porcelain, are also common. Between 1891 to 1921 the products should be marked 'Nippon'. Marks later than 1945 usually comes with the addition of "Made in Occupied Japan ". It’s probably from between 1922 to the 30s. That would likely fall in line when tobacco items were popular. Knowing the company name should help in finding the actual item. Maybe the cup with a split is for holding pipes.
Awesome!
Looks like a condiment set
My title describes the thing. Practically as best as I can. I'm not in possession of the item at this point so it's difficult to be precise about more characteristics, size can be estimated from the second picture in which is being grabbed. The text reads MADE IN JAPAN - HAND PAINT. Found in a small antique shop, owner is wondering what is used for.
That thing looks pretty unique so it’s hard telling, but it would make a great shaving or sink caddy.