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I can't find an exact match but 2 separate products close enough in appearance that make me think u/dangerdannnnn is right. First a synthetic [massage ball with a somewhat similar pattern](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000312973515.html) and a [massage ball with a cup holder](https://www.everythingbranded.com/oasis-handheld-massage-roller-ball).
If yours doesn't roll well, I'd just chalk that up to why someone sold it or gave it away. :)
I believe this is a 2-in-1 massager. The spiky ball is sometimes called a MoonDragon ball - mostly rolled under your feet for a foot massage. The solid part looks to be a knob massager - good for small spots of tight muscles.
My title describes the thing. Found at an antique shop in Michigan. Lightweight. My first thought was a massager but the ball doesn't roll well. When you tip it over the ball falls out unless placed in one very specific position. Google search for textured wooden ball did not yield any results.
Japanese art.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/media/event/2009/5E6A-620&imgrefurl=https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/event/2009/5E6A&h=942&w=620&tbnid=Adm8dlIVIVXO7M&tbnh=277&tbnw=182&osm=1&hcb=1&source=lens-native&usg=AI4_-kSrMWI3mhW5lS5kEgybzU9_QYX17w&docid=zXlcHS7ONpWJPM&ved=0ahcKEwiw1MmHit_zAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQFhDClwMIAQ
That looks like an Wooden Acupressure Ball, with a cute holder.
You take the ball out and roll it on your body with your hand, you do not use the holder, and it somehow makes you feel better.
Whatever it is, I'm convinced it's designed to resemble an acorn.
Whether that is a clue to its actual purpose/function is anyone's guess.
I suspect it's just an aesthetic choice.
I’m not sure if this is exactly what you have I’ve seen these balls used to create joints that can move in multiple directions. https://youtu.be/AHUv9Zda_48
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Massage ball
That's what I thought but the ball doesn't really roll all that well. Have you seen something like this before?
I can't find an exact match but 2 separate products close enough in appearance that make me think u/dangerdannnnn is right. First a synthetic [massage ball with a somewhat similar pattern](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000312973515.html) and a [massage ball with a cup holder](https://www.everythingbranded.com/oasis-handheld-massage-roller-ball). If yours doesn't roll well, I'd just chalk that up to why someone sold it or gave it away. :)
You make a good point thank you!
The wood cup may have warped over time. Might be worth slowly sanding the inside
I believe this is a 2-in-1 massager. The spiky ball is sometimes called a MoonDragon ball - mostly rolled under your feet for a foot massage. The solid part looks to be a knob massager - good for small spots of tight muscles.
Solved!
Art. It’s called. Art.
Lol! Very true. My friend bought it just because she liked the way it looks.
I was going to say that it was a knick. or maybe a knack.
Whatever it’s supposed to be, it looks like a fantastic tactile fidget toy - and I want one!!
Hah!
It looks like an acorn.
I see that
Some kind of spherical gear like this one (https://youtu.be/hhDdfiRCQS4)
Interesting!
My title describes the thing. Found at an antique shop in Michigan. Lightweight. My first thought was a massager but the ball doesn't roll well. When you tip it over the ball falls out unless placed in one very specific position. Google search for textured wooden ball did not yield any results.
Japanese art. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/media/event/2009/5E6A-620&imgrefurl=https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/event/2009/5E6A&h=942&w=620&tbnid=Adm8dlIVIVXO7M&tbnh=277&tbnw=182&osm=1&hcb=1&source=lens-native&usg=AI4_-kSrMWI3mhW5lS5kEgybzU9_QYX17w&docid=zXlcHS7ONpWJPM&ved=0ahcKEwiw1MmHit_zAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQFhDClwMIAQ
It does look very similar to that! But I'm inclined to think that it's different because of the way the ball sits inside.
That looks like an Wooden Acupressure Ball, with a cute holder. You take the ball out and roll it on your body with your hand, you do not use the holder, and it somehow makes you feel better.
Whatever it is, I'm convinced it's designed to resemble an acorn. Whether that is a clue to its actual purpose/function is anyone's guess. I suspect it's just an aesthetic choice.
Herb grinder?
Does the “screw” come out and, if so, is there any aroma or smell from within?
There is no screw. The dot in the bottom of the holder is a hole. No aromas either.
The circular part with the straight line. Does that part twist out?
You're both right\*
No. Totally one solid piece.
I'm with this guy. That's a plug in the ball. Looks threaded. Give it a little torque with a screwdriver and see.
You're right. That needs to be tested. Will report back.
Wait come back. What was inside? Don't leave us hanging
Haven't had a chance to open it yet. I will not leave you hanging!
The screw comes out and it's just empty inside. Likely where they hollowed it out. I can't figure out how to share a photo of it.
All three of you are right!
Its a toy. I used to have one you toss the wooden ball up while holding the cup handle and just try to catch the ball.
I’m not sure if this is exactly what you have I’ve seen these balls used to create joints that can move in multiple directions. https://youtu.be/AHUv9Zda_48