Showing 444 items matching "underside"
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The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Musk Duck, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
This particular Musk Duck is a female specimen. This is ascertained through the lack of a large bulbous lobe of skin hanging under the bill. This particular duck has a much smaller lobe on the underside of its bill which is only visible when close. The name Musk Duck comes from the strong musk odour produced from a gland on the rump of the bird. These ducks are found only in Australia, in south-western and south-eastern mainland and in Tasmania. They prefer to reside in locations which have deep water and plenty of aquatic vegetation. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.A large duck with a sooty-brown plumage and paler brown colouring on the stomach and areas of the neck. This bird stands with its head turned to look over its right shoulder. The eyes are made of brown coloured glass. The legs on the Musk Duck are positioned towards the far back of the stocky body and the feet are webbed. This enables the duck to swim but provides a clumsy gait. The bill of this Musk Duck is dark grey and the tail feathers are positioned in a fan-shape.Paper tag reading "9a Musk Duck. See Catalogue, page, 39."taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, duck, musk duck, aquatic, biziura lobata -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Functional object - Horse shoe wallet
Each light horseman carried two spare horse shoes and nails in a wallet or case attached to his saddle. The wallet was attached to the near (left ) side of the saddle and a sabre could be secured in the loops on the side of the wallet. Stamps on the underside of this wallet indicate it was used by a trooper of the 13th Light Horse Regiment during WWI (1914-1918). It is possible the wallet was issued to Regimental Number 280 Trooper H B Johnson. The 13th Light Horse Regiment (AIF) was raised at Broadmeadows Victoria in March 1915. Following service at Gallipoli the regiment was broken up with squadrons going to France as Divisional Cavalry Squadrons of 2nd, 4th and 5th Divisions. The regiment was reformed as firstly 1st Anzac Corps Mounted Troops and later Australian Corps Mounted Troops. The regiment was raised as 13th Light Horse (Gippsland), a Citizen Forces unit. following WWI, and trained as a cavalry regiment till August 1940, when it converted from horse to mechanised initially as 13th Motor Regiment then 13th Armoured Regiment. It trained in Victoria and, as the Japanese threat to the mainland declined, was disbanded in October 1943 with men going to other units. unique relic of the Australian Light Horse in WWI.Leather wallet containing two spare horse shoes to be attached to saddle by light horseman. loop on side and securing strap held cavalry sword if trooper was issued with one.CGHF / B / 13 LH / 280military, horse, shoe, wallet, case -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Saucer Ceramic, from 1921 to 1961
This item was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed and relieved the private VHEC(Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge, isolated and time consuming nature the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tied to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local/European expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants or English and European specialist. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world.This item is a white ceramic saucer (tea /coffee). It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The bottom cup indent is for either tea or coffee cups of a similar ceramic structure. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this saucer belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the saucer is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (worker's mess). See also KVHS 0128 (A,C and D) The seal of the State Electricity Commission Of Victoria is imprinted on the top inside rim within a curved scroll. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the southern cross and an arm with a closed fist projecting from the top with five lightning bolts projecting outwards. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"saucer, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery, mt beauty chalet, bogong mess hall -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Saucer Ceramic, from 1921 to 1961
This item was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed and relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge, isolated and time consuming nature the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tied to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local/European expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants and specialist recruited from England and Europe. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world.This item is a white ceramic saucer (tea /coffee). It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The bottom cup indent is for either tea or coffee cups of a similar ceramic structure. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this saucer belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the saucer is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (worker's mess). See also KVHS 0128 ( A,B&D)The seal of the State Electricity Commission Of Victoria is imprinted on the top inside rim within a curved scroll. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the southern cross and an arm with a closed fist projecting from the top with five lightning bolts projecting outwards. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"saucer, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery, mt beauty chalet, bogong mess hall -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Saucer Ceramic, Circa 1921
This item was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess huts/rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed and relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge, isolated and time consuming nature the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tied to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local and European expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants for England and Europe. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world. These saucers were used in the mess huts including later in the Bogong mess hall and the Mount Beauty Chalet.This item is a white ceramic saucer (tea /coffee). It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The bottom cup indent is for either tea or coffee cups of a similar ceramic structure. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this saucer belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the saucer is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (worker's mess). See also KVHS 0128 (A to C)The seal of the State Electricity Commission Of Victoria is imprinted on the top inside rim within a curved scroll. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the southern cross and an arm with a closed fist projecting from the top with five lightning bolts projecting outwards. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"saucer, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery, mt beauty chalet, bogong mess hall -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Weapon - Double Barrel Shotgun, Mid to late 19th Century
Philip Webley was born in 1813, he was the younger brother of James Webley who was born in 1807. Both were born in Birmingham. Towards the end of the 1800s, the firm claimed establishment in 1790, this must have been the date James and Philip's father or grandfather originally established a bullet or gun implement making business. It was not, as is often stated, the date William Davis established his business. Philip Webley was apprenticed in 1827 to Benjamin Watson. James Webley also seems to have been apprenticed but to who is not known. In 1834 James and Philip established their partnership as percussioners, lock filers and gun makers at 7 Weaman Street,Birmingham which was William Davis' old premises Davis, a gun implement maker, mould and toolmaker, died in 1831 and his wife Sarah inherited the business at 84 Weaman Street which she ran with her daughter, Caroline. On 5 January 1838 Philip Webley married Caroline. Philip was recorded at 84 Weaman Street from 1838 as a gun percussioner, lock filer and gun maker and this is when the partnership was last recorded, but the brothers apparently continued to co-operate until 1845 when Philip reportedly sold his interest to James and used the money to purchase Sarah Davis' business. Even then, they worked together particularly about the design and manufacture of percussion revolvers. Philip Webley was recorded in the 1851 census as a 38-year-old gun and pistol implement manufacturer living at 84 Weaman Street with his wife Caroline they had four sons and one daughter Thomas William, Emma, and Philip Jnr, and two other sons, James, and Henry and Philip's cousin, also lived with the family probably as a nurse, Sarah Haywood. On 4 February 1853 Philip Webley registered patent No. 335 for a hinged revolver and on 14 September 1853 he registered patent No. 2127 for improvement for the first muzzle-loading percussion cap and ball revolver which became known as the "Longspur". In 1859 Philips son Thomas William, aged 21, was made a partner in the firm, which then changed its name to P Webley & Son and described itself as "Gun and Pistol Makers and Patent Revolving Pistol Makers", probably exploiting Philip Webley's patent No. 305 of February 1853 for a revolver frame and lock, and its improvement under patent No. 2127 of September 1853. Thomas later went on to managed the shotgun side of the business. From about 1863 up to the First World War, the firm made rook rifles for Holland & Holland. From the 1890s they supplied magazine rifles. In 1863 and 1864 the firm's address was given as 83-84 Weaman Street, but from late 1864 to 1875 their address was 84 Weaman Street. By 1874 the firm had a showroom in London at an unknown address. In 1875 the firm expanded into 82-84 and 88-89 Weaman Street. The item is an early muzzle loading sporting shotgun not in very good condition and is unusable as a firearm and not very significant historically or valuable, although made by a well known and respected manufacturer of firearms there are many better examples of shotguns made by P Webley and Son in collections and for sale. This particular example is of a standard pattern for utilitarian use of which many were made. Shotgun, black powder, muzzle Loading, double barrel, percussion cap. P Webley & Son maker on left and right lock and P Webley & Son James St London on top of barrel. Barrel split in two. Has 14 stamped under each barrel with Birmingham proof marks for black powder shotguns. on undersides of both barrels. Proof marks used are early metal parts have decorative engravings of a gun dog flushing a birdwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, gun, shotgun, double-barrel shotgun, firearm, muzzel loading shotgun, philip webley, black powder, percussion cap, hunting weapon, birmingham gun manufactures, w & c scott & son -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Saucer Ceramic, circa 1940's to 1950's
This item was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed and relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge, isolated and time consuming nature the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tied to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local/European expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants or specially recruited English and Europe specialists. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world.This item is a white ceramic State Electricity Commission Of Victoria saucer (tea /coffee). It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The bottom cup indent is for either tea or coffee cups of a similar ceramic structure. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this saucer belongs to a commercial kitchen environment and not domestic. The indent bottom of the saucer is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (worker's mess). See also KVHS 0128 (B to D)The seal of the State Electricity Commission Of Victoria is imprinted on the top inside rim within a curved scroll. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the southern cross and an arm with a closed fist projecting from the top with five lightning bolts projecting outwards. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"saucer, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery, mt beauty chalet, bogong mess hall -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Plate Bread & Butter, Circa 1921
This item was used by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in their mess rooms for their workers during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme. The imprint of the year "1921" was to identify the year that the SECV was formed and relieved the private VHEC (Victorian Hydro-Electric Company). As the scheme was of such a huge, isolated and time consuming nature the feeding of its workers was quite demanding of cutlery and crockery. The use of sturdy English cups and saucers was essential. The period of construction and the isolation of the Kiewa Valley area placed heavy demand for "solid" crockery that could wear abusive handling. This period in time was one when crockery, whether for domestic or commercial use, was imported from "mother" England. This scenario was more so for governmental bodies such as rail, jails and electricity providers than domestic users. The influx of cheaper Asian crockery had not yet begun.This type of crockery item was used by the thousands of SEC Victorian staff and construction workers involved in the building of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, over the extensive period (1938 to 1961). This was a period when Government bodies and other semi- government organisations were still tide to the "establishments" of "mother" England. It was a period in Australia's development when the Asian influence was very weak and the established ties to England and Europe was still very strong. The majority of heavy equipment and machinery was either made in England or Europe. Local expertise in dam construction and water management in alpine terrain came from migrants for England and Europe. The quality of workmanship from big steel manufacturing plants in England and Europe could not be matched from anywhere else in the developed world.This item is a white ceramic plate (bread & butter). It is made in England and is of strong and durable ceramic. The bottom of the plate is flat with edges sloping out (to position the bread) and the extended rim is to catch any spillages. The 5mm thickness of the ceramic suggests this plate belongs to a commercial kitchen/eating establishment (mess) and not a domestic dining room. The indent bottom of the plate is 5mm deep with a side curvature ratio of 2:5. The ceramic is glazed to a commercial standard (see KVHS 0128 for its saucer part of a dinner set.The seal of the State Electricity Commission Of Victoria is imprinted on the top inside rim within a curved scroll. Snuggled within the borders of the scroll is a banner with the five stars of the southern cross and an arm with a closed fist projecting from the top with five lightning bolts projecting outwards. On the underside "Vitrified sold by Cafe & Hotel Supplies Pty Ltd Dunn Bennett & Co. Ltd. Burslem Made in England"saucer, plate, secv, state electricity commission of victoria, crockery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Smoker's Cabinet, 1927
This smoker’s cabinet is a very decorative and clever version of the item that was a novelty piece of furniture that appeared before the First World War. The contents of the cabinet are cleverly hidden behind a tambour roller door. The door slides down into the cabinet when the bottom drawer is unlocked and pulled forward, revealing two more drawers and a shelf. The bottom drawer is fitted with its own removable ashtray and a match striker. The smoker’s cabinet was a popular piece of personal furniture from the 1900s to the 1930s. The cabinet was usually designed so that its purpose was hidden. Behind the door would be a place to store all manner of things associated with smoking, such as pipes, cigars or tobacco, a removable ashtray, matches and perhaps cigar trimmers. The small cabinet was presented to Dr Angus in March 1927 by patients of the Mira hospital in Nhill, Victoria, to show their appreciation for his care. It may have been chosen as something suitable for Dr Angus to take with him when shortly afterwards sailed overseas to study at the London University College Hospital and at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. In 1928 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, before returning to Australia. He and his wife and their young family settled in the Nhill district until moving to Warrnambool in 1939. His family donated this smoker’s cabinet, along with many other historic items, and it is now part of the W.R. Angus Collection. W.R. Angus Collection- The W R Angus Collection spans from 1885 to the mid-1900s and includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. He and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the early planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill, where they contributed to the layout of the gardens. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This smoker’s cabinet is significant as an unusual and rare piece of personal vintage furniture. The tambour roller door is seldom seen on this type of cabinet. The smoker’s cabinet is connected to the history of Warrnambool, as it was owned by Dr W. R. Angus and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection, which is notable for still being located at the site connected to Doctor Angus, Warrnambool’s last Port Medical Officer. It is also connected to the history of western Victoria through its origin, being a gift from the patients of the Mira Hospital in Nhill to Dr Angus, who was the local doctor there in the 1920s and 1930s. Smoker’s cabinet; a stained and lacquered Rosewood tabletop cabinet with a tambour cover. The cabinet is lockable. The tambour shutter door rolls downwards as the bottom drawer is opened, revealing the top two drawers and shelf. The bottom drawer is divided into compartments and has a fitted metal bowl with a bar across it to use as an ashtray and an attached striking surface for lighting matches. The cupboard had decorative silver metal swinging handles on the drawers and sides. The underside of the cabinet is painted crimson. A shield-shaped silver metal commemorative plaque is attached to the top. The cupboard was a gift to Dr W R Angus on March 7th 1927 from the patients of the Mira Hospital in Nhill, Victoria, and is part of the W.R. Angus Collection.Inscription on the plaque: “Dr W.R. ANGUS, A Token of Appreciation from the Patients of “Mira” Hospital, Nhill, Victoria, March 7th 1927.”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, dr w r angus, dr roy angus, dr ryan, smoker’s cabinet, smoker’s cupboard, tambour door, smoking stand, smoking accessory, novelty furniture, tobacco storage, tabletop cabinet, patients’ gift, mira hospital, nhill hospital, w.r. angus, doctor angus, dr angus, march 7th 1927, w.r. angus collection -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Dollarbird, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The DollarBird is the only member of the Roller family found in Australia and can be found in forests and woodland areas. The name of this bird comes from the large white spot on the underside of each wing which resemble silver dollars. They travel to Australia each year to breed from New Guinea and the surrounding area. Their main source of food is insects which they hunt during flight. They capture these foods while displaying skillful aerial pursuits. They then return to the same perch they were upon when they left to catch their food. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This juvenile Dollar bird's feet are a faded brown and the bill is a light yellow. The colour of this specimen's head and neck are a cool grey which fades to a patch of bright purple on its upper chest. The back is grey while the underbelly and wings are a light blue-grey. The tail feathers are tipped in black. The specimen is standing on a wooden mount.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, dollar bird -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Wringer, The American Wringer Co, 1888 onwards
Hand operated wringer; timber frame with metal fittings; timber handle; 2 top screws; scattered nail holesCentre: FALCON / LOOSEN TOP SCREWS / WHEN NOT IN USE / IMPROVED PAT'D . . . Sides: EXTRA / HIGH GRADE / WARRANTED / TRADE / MARK . . . Flap: HORSE SHOE BRAND / CLOTHES WRINGER / WARRANTED 3 YEARS FOR FAMILY USE Underside of Flap: THIS WRINGER HAS WARRANTED RUBBER / ROLLS / VULCANIZED TO THE SHAFTS / PUT A LITTLE OIL OR LARD ON THE BEARINGS / BEFORE USING AND LOOSEN TOP SCREWS / WHEN THE WRINGER IS NOT IN USEwringer, mangle, laundry -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Sculpture - Porcelain figure of a doctor holding a baby
Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The figure is male in appearance, and is wearing a long white coat which is enclosed at the collar and extends below the knees. The figure is wearing brown trousers and black shoes, and is standing upright with legs together. The figure has black hair, an exaggerated protruding nose, and has a serious expression, looking slightly upwards. The figure is holding a baby by the waist in his right hand, supporting the baby's feet with his left hand. A small Certificate of Origin is attached to the figure's left arm by a short length of green ribbon. The certificate is signed by the artist and indicates the piece was made in Italy. The base of the statue, between the figure's feet, is painted with the inscription 'PoG'. Underside of base is painted with the inscription '72/17'1/ITALY'. -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Model - Toy cable tram set, c1900
Built as a toy, either by a well resourced home workshop or by a toy maker. Have been well used or loved with missing wheels and damaged roof. Possibly dates from the early 1900s. St Kilda was a popular destination for Melbourne cable trams. Demonstrates a toy cable tram set.Cable tram set made from wood and pressed metal. Grip car or dummy has remnants of paint (green and gold) on the sides, holes for wheels on the two wood blocks on the underside. Has an eye hook at one end and a hole for another at the other end. Seat made from timber with a steel wire or rod to represent a grip lever. Metal secured to wood base with nails. Has four metal Staunchions on either side. Trailer similar construction with sides stamped or cut from sheet steel with holes at either end for a eye or hook and wheels. Roof on both items has been pressed and assembled. The trailer has painted on one side "St Kilda" and the remnants of a similar word on the other side.cable trams, toys, trams, st kilda -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Poster - Framed Notice, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV), "Our Safe Working Days Score", 1950's
Demonstrates the safety record of the SEC Ballarat depot, has a strong association with the workers and Yields information about their performance and dates.Timber framed box, glass fronted, Masonite back, painted black on the edges and front with a slot on the underside and metal catch screwed to the timber that allowed a preprinted poster to be slid out from the base. The poster titled "Our Safe Working Days Score", provided with secured to the poster, four metal sheets pressed with three rounded edges to allow a paper strip to be slid in from the right hand side and secured. Poster has been preprinted for the SEC Electricity Supply Department". The top strip gave the name of the location "Ballarat - Tram - Depot", the second strip - no sheet present and purpose not known, date since the last event "9-4-69" and the previous best score - "982" days.trams, tramways, depot, sec, safety, personnel -
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Knife, Clasp, with Marlin Spike and Tin Opener, WW1 era to late 1930s
Knife, Clasp, with Marline Spike and Tin Opener, manufactured in England to the Standard Pattern 6353/1905, as modified in 1913 with specific dimensions to the tin opener. This pattern was used by British forces, and was one of the patterns issued to members of the Australian Infantry Force during WW1. This pattern was used up until the late 1930s, where it was superseded by other patterns.Knife, Clasp, with Marlin Spike and Tin Opener, manufactured to the standard British pattern 6353/1905, as modified in 1913 with changed dimensions for the tin opener. The hilt of the knife has two chequered pattern sides secured by five metal rivets. The underside of the hilt has two recesses to allow storage of the blade and the tin opener. A tapered steel Marline spike is mounted on the other side of the hilt, pivoting at the opposite end to the blade and tin opener. A copper wire shackle is also secured at this end of the hilt that was used to attach the knife to a lanyard or belt clip. A fingernail indentation is located near the top of one side of the blade. The tin opener has bevelled edges tapered to a point on one side, with a steel post mounted in the middle of the other side.J. CLARKE & SON SHEFFIELDknife, clasp, ww1, steel, marline spike, australian infantry force, milirary -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Sculpture - Porcelain figurine of an obstetrician holding a baby, Abbott, 1972
Enduron (methylclothiazide) was a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. Its use has been discontinued. This object was likely produced as a promotional item by the manufacturers of Enduron.Porcelain figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor has brown hair, is of male appearance, and is dressed in surgical attire, consisting of a white surgical gown and cap. There are some areas of blue detailing on the gown. Blue trouser cuffs and black shoes are visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand against the baby's bottom. The baby is facing to the side, head pointing towards the ground. The figure is standing on a square plinth. Writing printed on the front of the plinth reads 'OBSTETRICIAN/"I just delivered/a president." Writing printed on either side of the plinth reads 'ENDURON/methylclothiazide'. Writing printed on the back of the plinth reads 'ABBOTT 1972'. Sticker attached to underside of statue reads 'THE COBID CORP'.obstetrics -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Functional Object - Trolley Wire Sample, BTM - Wendouree Parade
Piece of heavily worn trolley wire taken from south bound ear, just before ear 41B. Wire in area (on the joiner side) had failed about two months prior to replacement. Sample taken 8 December 1997 during replacement operations. Was on a curve. Two screw marks at one end from being inside a wire joiner. Heavily worn over the years with groove only one side of wire. Top of wire green (oxidised) and dark grey on underside where not contacted by wheel. Has been cut at both ends. Wire curved after taking down naturally. See item Reg No. item 514 for original wire size details. Images added 3-12-2016 See Reg. Item No. 514 ballarat, overhead, trolley wire -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Corkscrew
The design of the corkscrew may have been derived from the gun worm, which was a device from at least the early 1630s, used by men to remove unspent charges from a musket's barrel in a similar fashion. The corkscrew is possibly an English invention, due to the tradition of beer and cider, and the 'Treatise on Cider' by John Worlidge in 1676 describes "binning of tightly corked cider bottles on their sides", although the earliest reference to a corkscrew is, "steel worm used for the drawing of Corks out of Bottles" from 1681. In 1795, the first corkscrew patent was granted to the Reverend Samuel Henshall, in England. The clergyman affixed a simple disc, now known as the Henshall Button, between the worm and the shank. The disc prevents the worm from going too deep into the cork, forces the cork to turn with the turning of the crosspiece, and thus breaks the adhesion between the cork and the neck of the bottle. The disc is designed and manufactured slightly concave on the underside, which compresses the top of the cork and helps keep it from breaking apart. In its traditional form, a corkscrew is simply a steel screw attached to a perpendicular handle, made of wood or some other material. The user grips the handle and screws the metal point into the cork, until the helix is firmly embedded, then a vertical pull on the corkscrew extracts the cork from the bottle. The handle of the corkscrew allows for a commanding grip to ease removal of the cork. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CorkscrewThis object is significant as an example of an item in common use since the late 17th century.Metal corkscrew with wooden handle that is partly broken. Has metal steel spike to create a starting point for the use of the corkscrew. Very rusty. None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, corkscrew, beverages, kitchen equipment, bottle opener -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Domestic object - Corkscrew
The design of the corkscrew may have been derived from the gun worm, which was a device from at least the early 1630s, used by men to remove unspent charges from a musket's barrel in a similar fashion. The corkscrew is possibly an English invention, due to the tradition of beer and cider, and the 'Treatise on Cider' by John Worlidge in 1676 describes "binning of tightly corked cider bottles on their sides", although the earliest reference to a corkscrew is, "steel worm used for the drawing of Corks out of Bottles" from 1681. In 1795, the first corkscrew patent was granted to the Reverend Samuel Henshall, in England. The clergyman affixed a simple disc, now known as the Henshall Button, between the worm and the shank. The disc prevents the worm from going too deep into the cork, forces the cork to turn with the turning of the crosspiece, and thus breaks the adhesion between the cork and the neck of the bottle. The disc is designed and manufactured slightly concave on the underside, which compresses the top of the cork and helps keep it from breaking apart. In its traditional form, a corkscrew is simply a steel screw attached to a perpendicular handle, made of wood or some other material. The user grips the handle and screws the metal point into the cork, until the helix is firmly embedded, then a vertical pull on the corkscrew extracts the cork from the bottle. The handle of the corkscrew allows for a commanding grip to ease removal of the cork. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CorkscrewMetal corkscrew with wooden handle. Has metal steel spike to create a starting point for the use of the corkscrew. Very rusty.corkscrew, kitchen equipment, bottle opener -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Chair, 1897-1921
These cane chairs are one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. Heywood & Wakefield Furniture Co: The Heywood-Wakefield Company is an American furniture manufacturer established in 1897. It went on to become a major presence in the US. Its older products are considered collectibles and have been featured on television antique programs. The Heywood brothers established themselves in 1826, as furniture makers and the Wakefield Company began in 1855 as a separate company. Both firms produced wicker and rattan furniture, and as these products became increasingly popular towards the end of the century, they became serious rivals. In 1897 the companies merged as Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company (this name was changed to Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1921), purchasing Washburn-Heywood Chair Company in 1916, Oregon Chair Company in 1920, and Lloyd Manufacturing Company in 1921. While its wooden furniture plant in Gardner, Massachusetts closed in 1979, a branch in Menominee, Michigan continued to manufacture metal outdoor seats, auditorium seats, and school furniture. The Heywood-Wakefield Company Complex in Gardner was added to the National Historic Register in 1983. The South Beach Furniture Company acquired the rights to the name in 1994 and reproduces its wooden furniture. Both founding companies produced wicker and rattan furniture in the late 19th century. The wicker styles drew on the Aesthetic Movement and Japanese influences simpler designs arose in the wake of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The merged entity stayed abreast of wicker furniture trends by hiring designers such as Paul Frankl and Donald Deskey during the 1920s. Its furniture was exhibited at the 1933 Century of Progress exhibition and the 1964 New York World's Fair. During the 1930s and 1940s, Heywood-Wakefield began producing furniture using sleek designs based on French Art Deco.The Giles family collection has social significance at a local level, because it illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill when the village and Museum was established. The wicker furniture is a fine example of late 19th and early 20th century light weight domestic furniture that are today very collectible items and quite rare and valuable.Pair of wicker armchairs, painted dark brown. The open wicker weave pattern extends from the seat up to the armrests and completely over the backrest, plus across the front of the chair below the seat. The seat is very firmly woven and fitted into a timber frame. A reinforcing pattern of wicker work covers the top edges of the armrests and backrest in one piece and folds around to the underside, referred to as ‘rolled serpentine arms and back’. The hollow ends of the armrests are filled with a circular knob of wicker work. The back legs are also completed with decorative wicker knobs. One chair base (3788.01) has been strengthened with metal bracing. The other chair (3788.02) has the remnants of an orange manufacture’s tag fixed to the base. The chairs were made 1897-1921 by Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company, USA. These chairs are part of the Giles Collection.Printed in black on an orange tag “MANUFA - Heywood B – GARDNE”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, giles collection, giles family, henry and mary jane giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture, wicker armchairs, rolled serpentine wicker work, cane armchair, classic wicker furniture, victorian style furniture, domestic furniture late 19th century, heywood-wakefield company -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Incomplete box of 5ml Phenol ampoules, with hypodermic needle, David Bull Laboratories
Cardboard box containing 3 ampoules of phenol and a sealed, sterile hympdermic needle. Front of box is labelled 'Sterile/Oily Phenol Injection B.P./(Phenol 5% in Almond Oil)/5ml/Code 5313B/Reg. No. HK-02821'. Box is also printed with some use and storage instructions, and the name of the manufacturer. Underside of box is printed with the text 'BATCH 9015313 MFG.AUG.89/EXP.AUG.92'. Phenol ampoules are made of glass and connected together in a strip. Text printed on each ampoule reads 'CAUTION S2/PHENOL IN/ALMOND OIL/5% 5ml/DAVID BULL/EXP. DATE AUG '92'. Hypodermic needle is sealed in a sterile packet with orange backing. Writing on packaging reads 'Sub-Q/REORDER NO. 5115/STERILE SINGLE USE/HYPODERMIC NEEDLE/26g 5/8 (15.9mm)/NON-TOXIC/NON-PYROGENIC' -
Woodend RSL
Uniform - Apron
Apron manufactured for military purposes. This item has significance as an example of uniform likely worn ny nurses and/or other medical staff, associated with Australian military campaigns. White fabric apron. One piece comprised of fabric square, white cotton bib, convex shaped side flaps, and square shaped lower apron with rounded corners. Fabric edges are folded over and hemmed with white thread in straight stitch, 5mm distance from edge of apron. Underside is overlocked with white thread. Top of bib is attached to a white fabric neck loop near bib corners by machine sewn white thread, with a criss-cross shape enclosed in a square; stitching is visible on front of apron. Apron has a white fabric tie on each side, attached in similar fashion to neck loop. Bib features red fabric red cross, stitched onto bib using zig zag stitch in red thread, edges of cross are raw fabric. Both ties and neck loop are hemmed with straight stitch and overlocked in white thread. military, war, apron, uniform, medical, hospital, women, female, outfit, nurse, fashion, textiles -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Photograph - Set of 14 Colour Print/s, Ray Jackson, 1979
Set of 14 colour prints of Z and Z3 trams being built and equipment at Preston Workshops and Comeng Dandenong, c1979. .1 - Two pantographs of different types laid on top of each other. .2 - ASEA trucks or bogie one marked 115 .3 - Jacobs truck or bogie for a Z3 tram .4 - Z class roof sections stored at Comeng yard .5 - Z class fronts being finished off .6 - Z or Z3 class cars bodies being built at Comeng .7 - Z cab interior showing control panel .8 - Z cab being built .9 - Z class underside or underframe .10 - Interior of Z class being built .11 - ditto .12 - as for .8 .13 - Z3 front .14 - Z class being built. Printed on Kodak Papertrams, tramways, preston workshops, z class, z3 class, pantographs, bogies, tramcar bodies, tramcar manufacture, tramcar trucks, tram 115 -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Instrument - Ellinger-type uterine dilator, Medical Supply Depot
Metal surgical instrument. Consists of scissor like handles with circular finger grips atop two metal arms. There is a metal gauge extending between the handles approximately an inch below the finger grips which provides a measurement as to how far apart the tips of the instrument are at any given time. A curved metal plate is attached between the handles below the gauge which functions as a spring to give some resistance to the instrument. The arms are joined together by a pin at the centre. Metal plates attached to the underside of the lower part of the arms lock into place as the instrument is opened. Each arm narrows in the last two inches and ends in a round point, with the end points resembling the nose of a pair of pliers. The words 'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT' are engraved on one arm of the instrument. The number '18' is engraved on the inside of both arms towards the tip.'MEDICAL SUPPLY DEPOT', '18'gynaecology -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Container - Bottle, Ethyl Chloride, Medicinal Chemicals Corporation Pty. Ltd, c. 1932
Ethyl chloride was first used as a general anaesthetic in 1847, by Johann Ferdinand Heyfelder (1798-1869), a German surgeon. Once ethyl chloride became readily available, it was again taken up as a general anaesthetic in the late 1890s (USA). Ethyl chloride evaporates very quickly so that when it is sprayed onto the skin it produces very cold temperatures. “Refrigeration anesthesia”, or cryoanesthesia, refers to the anesthesia produced when the skin is significantly cooled.Due to its rapid onset, ethyl chloride was often used to induce general anaesthesia. It would be followed by a second anaesthetic, such as ether or nitrous oxide, which would be used for the remainder of the procedure. (The Wood Library Museum, 2016) The bottle has clear side and base mould seams which indicate it was made using a cup bottom mould.Glass bottle with paper label, metal fastening at the top and cream coloured plastic sealant at the neck. The bottle has clear side and base mould seams which indicate it was made using a cup bottom mould.Printed on main label at front: 100 c.c. 3 1/2 fl. ozs. / MEDICINAL CHEMICALS CORP [illegible] / MEDCO / ETHYL CHLORIDE / PURE / This Product conforms to all the re-/quirements of the BRITISH PHARMA-/COPCEIA, 1932, for / GENERAL ANAESTHESIA / Manufactured by / MEDICINAL CHEMICALS CORPORATION PTY. LIMITED / 39 Martin Place, Sydney Printed on round label on reverse side: 6d. / Cred [illegible]this container if returned in good order and condition. Stamped into underside of bottle: CM / S99ethyl chloride, medco, medicinal chemicals corporation pty. ltd, dr [e.s] holloway, bottle -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Personal Effects, Cut-throat razor ‘Sinfonie’, c1900 -1930
Gebrüder Stoll, Central-Stahlwarenfabrik Founded in 1889 . Solingen-Foche in 1900- 1930. Names: ‘Gallop’, ‘Pedecor’ (Dedecor?), ‘Sinfonie’, ‘Stoll’, ‘Stoll Brothers’. The parts of a straight razor and their function are described as follows: The narrow end of the blade rotates on a pin called the pivot, between two protective pieces called the scales or handle. The upward curved metal end of the narrow part of the blade beyond the pivot is called the tang and acts as a lever to help raise the blade from the handle. One or two fingers resting on the tang also help stabilize the blade while shaving. The narrow support piece between the tang and the main blade is called the shank, but this reference is often avoided because it can be confusing. The shank sometimes features decorations and the stamp of the country of origin. The top side and the underside of the shank can sometimes exhibit indentations known as fluting, or jimps for a more secure grip. The curved lower part of the main blade from the shank to the cutting edge is called the shoulder. The point where the shoulder joins the cutting edge is called the heel. A thick strip of metal running transversely at the junction where the main blade attaches to the shank is called the stabiliser. Although straight razors were once the principal method of manual shaving, they have been largely overshadowed by the safety razor, which incorporates a disposable blade. Electric razors of various types have also been an available alternative, especially since the 1950s. Straight razors require considerable skill to hone and strop, and require more care during shaving A man's cut-throat razor that folds to protect blade inside handle. with a caseon blade 'SINFONIE' on case; Stahlwaron / Fabrikcut-throat razors, straight razors, shaving equipment, steel blades, stoll gebruder ltd., solingen germany, cutlers, steel manufacturers, ‘sinfonie’ trade mark, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, -
Alfred Hospital Nurses League - Nursing History Collection
Functional object - Hypodermic syringe, :Description The Amalgamated Dental Co. Ltd, Record Type Hypodermic Syringe, Unknown
Glass Everett syringe in cardboard storage box with Certificate of ExaminationTop of lid right side: Cardboard storage box - Record Type Hypodermic Syringe An Everett Product Sole Wholesale Distributors:Description The Amalgamated Dental Co. Ltd. Melbourne - Sydney Top of lid left side: The Laminex It is unnecessary to remove the piston of this syringe for sterilisation at temperatures up to 160C End of lid: 2 ml. Record 40 min. Z397-A25 Underside box lid: OCT 1955 Syringe Markings: EVERETT British made 200 degrees C Barrel increments up to 2 ml glass syringe, injection kit -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Helmet, Belgian
Mark 2 Belgian Clone of the British Brodie helmet. After the end of the Second World War Belgium began manufacturing their own version of the British Mk.II Helmet, which came to be known as the Belgian Mk.II Clone. This helmet was used by all services of the Belgian Military; Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as in Civil Defence. Mk.II Clones were produced from 1949 to 1952 and were very similar to the British Mk.II in almost every respect. However on closer inspection the differences are obvious, most noteably with the liner. Belgian Mk.IIs have a brown leather liner with five tongues and a brown drawstring. The cross shaped crown pad has black sorbo foam covered by leather. The underside of the leather has the Belgium Crest printed, while British helmets used oilcloth. Also unlike on British made Mk.IIs, the rims and lugs are made of mild (i.e. magnetic) steel. A Belgium Flag decal was worn on the left hand side of the shell, on all Military issue helmets. Stencilled on the liner is "COMET ABL 50", with the ABL (Armee Belge/Belgische Leger). -
Ararat Gallery TAMA
Functional object, Doki no Kenjo Chimaki, c. 1900s
‘The Art of the Japanese Package’ was an exhibition that toured to 10 Australian and 11 New Zealand public galleries in 1979 and 1980. The touring exhibition comprised 221 objects of traditional Japanese packaging which extended from ceramics, wood and paper to woven fibre containers. At the conclusion of the tour, The Japan Foundation and the Crafts Board of the Australia Council donated the vast majority of the exhibition to the Ararat Gallery for its permanent collection. Combining the natural qualities of bamboo, paper and straw with delicate craftsmanship, these unique objects express Japanese aesthetics as applied through fibre crafts. In Japan, the qualities and traits of natural materials are exploited rather than hidden. The texture of straw, the septa of bamboo are not concealed but lovingly incorporated into the whole. In 1979 Hideyuki Oka, curator of ‘The Art of the Japanese Package’ wrote: “In no way self-conscious or assertive, these wrappings have an artless and obedient air that greatly moves the modern viewer. They are whispered evidence of the Japanese ability to create beauty from the simplest products of nature. They also teach us that wisdom and feeling are especially important in packaging because these qualities, or the lack of them, are almost immediately apparent. What is the use of a package if it shows no feeling?” The descriptions of the featured objects were written by Hideyuki Oka, curator of ‘The Art of the Japanese Package’, 1979.Gift of the Japan-Australia Foundation and the Crafts Board of the Australia Council, 1981Here we see a creation of the type whose beauty is said to have astonished the celebrated sixteenth-century tea master Sen no Rikyu. Originally, confections of mochi (steamed and pounded rice) filled with bean jam were wrapped in chigaya, a species of reed, and came to be called chimaki. We are told that a shopkeeper named Kawabata Doki used bamboo leaves to wrap the chimaki he presented to the emperor Gokashiwabara (1464-1526) and that thereafter the use of bamboo leaves for wrapping such confections became predominant. In fact, the bamboo-wrapped chimaki seen here are known as Doki chimaki after the pioneering shopkeeper, and it is small wonder that this product of Kyoto should have an air of refinement and dignity suggestive of the imperial court. The two different flavours of the contents are indicated by exposing either the upper sides or the undersides of the leaves. The cord used to bind the chimaki together is made of rushes, and ceremonial gift cords (mizuhiki) are attached. - Professor Hideyuki Oka, curator.japanese art, japanese packaging, tsutsumi, gift giving -
Ararat Gallery TAMA
Functional object, Doki no Kenjo Chimaki, c. 1900s
‘The Art of the Japanese Package’ was an exhibition that toured to 10 Australian and 11 New Zealand public galleries in 1979 and 1980. The touring exhibition comprised 221 objects of traditional Japanese packaging which extended from ceramics, wood and paper to woven fibre containers. At the conclusion of the tour, The Japan Foundation and the Crafts Board of the Australia Council donated the vast majority of the exhibition to the Ararat Gallery for its permanent collection. Combining the natural qualities of bamboo, paper and straw with delicate craftsmanship, these unique objects express Japanese aesthetics as applied through fibre crafts. In Japan, the qualities and traits of natural materials are exploited rather than hidden. The texture of straw, the septa of bamboo are not concealed but lovingly incorporated into the whole. In 1979 Hideyuki Oka, curator of ‘The Art of the Japanese Package’ wrote: “In no way self-conscious or assertive, these wrappings have an artless and obedient air that greatly moves the modern viewer. They are whispered evidence of the Japanese ability to create beauty from the simplest products of nature. They also teach us that wisdom and feeling are especially important in packaging because these qualities, or the lack of them, are almost immediately apparent. What is the use of a package if it shows no feeling?” The descriptions of the featured objects were written by Hideyuki Oka, curator of ‘The Art of the Japanese Package’, 1979.Gift of the Japan-Australia Foundation and the Crafts Board of the Australia Council, 1981Here we see a creation of the type whose beauty is said to have astonished the celebrated sixteenth-century tea master Sen no Rikyu. Originally, confections of mochi (steamed and pounded rice) filled with bean jam were wrapped in chigaya, a species of reed, and came to be called chimaki. We are told that a shopkeeper named Kawabata Doki used bamboo leaves to wrap the chimaki he presented to the emperor Gokashiwabara (1464-1526) and that thereafter the use of bamboo leaves for wrapping such confections became predominant. In fact, the bamboo-wrapped chimaki seen here are known as Doki chimaki after the pioneering shopkeeper, and it is small wonder that this product of Kyoto should have an air of refinement and dignity suggestive of the imperial court. The two different flavours of the contents are indicated by exposing either the upper sides or the undersides of the leaves. The cord used to bind the chimaki together is made of rushes, and ceremonial gift cords (mizuhiki) are attached. - Professor Hideyuki Oka, curator.japanese art, japanese packaging, tsutsumi, gift giving