[split] f28v

[-JKP-]

Yes I see where you are coming from. But that doesn't explain away the unusual stick the whole thing is resting upon.

The overall shape of the stalk and rays reminded me of certain medieval flabella. They were not all made of paper or ivory, some of them had feathers (in fact, the ancient ones often had feathers), which might account for a circle of "rays". Some were for ornamental or practical use, others for liturgical use.

Note the pattern of raised dots at the bottom of the handle, They're not super-similar to the stalk on the VMS, but the basic idea might fit:

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Liturgical fan, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston                    Tacuinum Santitatus 




Roman relief, Tullie Museum, Carlysle