A match for the containers? 16th-17th century ivory vases

[JustAnotherTheory]

I think I'm able to narrow down the origin and denomination of these containers. In Theory and practice of design, and advanced text-book on decorative art (1894), available to view You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view., we can see the following chart:

   

These vessels are called hanaps, and on the right hand side of the diagram we can see a breakdown of the components of a hanap:

   

The features of the hanap's construction seem to match the vessels of the VMS. Here are a few examples:

   

Now in the book mentioned above, there is the following description for hanaps:

As luxury advanced, these drinking vessels became enriched in every possible way, and were ultimately regarded as articles for show rather than as articles for use — as rich adornments for rooms of state to be displayed on special occasions. The possession of such articles often indicated wealth ; and even the particular form of étage upon which they were placed indicated the rank of the owner. The enrichment of these hanaps appears to have been mainly effected by three modes of procedure, all of which bear upon the contour : first, by adding variety to the outline ; secondly, by developing parts ; and thirdly, by sub-division.

Does this perhaps indicate, that if indeed the vessels in the VMS are hanaps, then the Artist of the VMS was a member of a wealthy family?

[nablator]

When you're poor, you can still imagine and draw posh containers reserved to the ultra-rich.

[Bluetoes101]

An issue with them is they are basically all upside down triangles with a base, a lot of the VMS drawings don't get bigger as they go up, then there's the tripod feet

[pjburkshire]

I always saw them as apothecary jars, possibly for storing light-sensitive herbs.  I know people here hate A.I. but sometimes it is faster.

Question to A.I.:  How much longer will light sensitive herbs last if protected from ultraviolet light?

Google A.I:
Protecting light-sensitive herbs from ultraviolet (UV) light can double or even triple their potent shelf life compared to storing them in clear glass exposed to ambient light. [1] (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.)

When properly protected from UV rays and kept airtight, the standard shelf life timelines for dried botanicals extend significantly:

• Leaves and Flowers (e.g., Mint, Chamomile, Hibiscus): Extends from a mere 2 to 6 months in clear glass on an open shelf to 1 to 2 full years.

• Roots, Seeds, and Barks (e.g., Ginger, Cinnamon): Extends from roughly 1 year to 2 to 3 years. [1] (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.), [2] (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.)

[JustAnotherTheory]

An issue with them is they are basically all upside down triangles with a base, a lot of the VMS drawings don't get bigger as they go up, then there's the tripod feet

Indeed, I thought the same. I'm now thinking that the vessels in the VMS might not be "drinking" vessels, but other, recreational vessels, of some sort. But also following the same ivory design tradition.

Just take a look at these 19th century ivory chess sets:

   

These do not shape upwards in a "triangle" fashion, and seem much closer to the VMS designs (the kings and queens in the middle, in the picture above). Not perfect, but close.

Somewhere, out there, there must be a perfect match for one of the VMS containers. Either that, or I'm on course for a monumental waste of time

[pjburkshire]

Indeed, I thought the same. I'm now thinking that the vessels in the VMS might not be "drinking" vessels, but other, recreational vessels, of some sort. But also following the same ivory design tradition.

You've got pages full of plant parts.  Why are you thinking about chess?

[JustAnotherTheory]

Indeed, I thought the same. I'm now thinking that the vessels in the VMS might not be "drinking" vessels, but other, recreational vessels, of some sort. But also following the same ivory design tradition.

You've got pages full of plant parts.  Why are you thinking about chess?

What an odd question to ask a Voynich researcher

[pjburkshire]

What an odd question to ask a Voynich researcher

Stars and Jars.  For years I have been saying that the star-like images in the Voynich Manuscript do not represent the stars in the night sky and I have gotten nothing but pushback.  People say; They look like stars so they must be stars.

Now I am on the other side of the fence and I'm still getting pushback.  I am saying that the containers are what they look like -- apothecary jars -- and people are saying; No, they can't be what they look like.  They have to be something totally unexpected and exotic.

We really need to get that text figured out.

[JoJo_Jost]

I hate to have to write this again, but these are still typical design elements of the Middle Ages—back then, designs didn't change as quickly as they do today....

And you'll find these design elements on many bottles, vases, goblets, drinking vessels, etc...

[proto57]

What an odd question to ask a Voynich researcher

Stars and Jars.  For years I have been saying that the star-like images in the Voynich Manuscript do not represent the stars in the night sky and I have gotten nothing but pushback.  People say; They look like stars so they must be stars.

Now I am on the other side of the fence and I'm still getting pushback.  I am saying that the containers are what they look like -- apothecary jars -- and people are saying; No, they can't be what they look like.  They have to be something totally unexpected and exotic.

We really need to get that text figured out.

PJ... I do think many of the "stars" in the Voynich ARE stars, but found this comparative illustration in a book which has several others very reminiscent (IMHO) to various Voynich illustrations:

   

They both have "drippy" tendrils hanging down, and also the (unstarlike) center dots. I think it is a better match than stars.

From: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.

Rich