Here are pictures of the single (singular!) item that dates to his lifetime, (most likely earlier), from the family home. It is a simple wooden briefcase (called kaipetti - a handy box of rosewood) that may be valueless, but is nevertheless priceless! The size is about 18X12X4 inches.
I wonder what those small nooks, crevasses, and other sections held. Whatever that was, it could never have been more precious than the old-world knowledge, wisdom and values that their owner passed on to the next generation. I missed meeting him by just three years, but his presence continues to be evident - in the trees that he planted, the home and village that he cared about, and his grandchildren's evergreen recollections.
And what would I wish everyone? - Hope you get to be a grandparent like him!
That was a glimpse into my world. Here are others who wish to share theirs.
What an interesting briefcase and great to have something like that from the family.
ReplyDeleteFascinating! This really something new to me thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. He sounds like the sort of grandparent everyone wishes they had!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and memory. The box almost looks like an artists box.
ReplyDeleteFamily history is priceless, wonderful story and that is a lovely old box. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThings with a history are truly priceless.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting. It reminds me of the lap desks my uncle used to collect. Each compartment had its purpose.
ReplyDeleteVery nice. It looks like any modern day suitcases with lot of compartments. I bet it is much stronger that what we get today.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful writing case with places for pens and pencils, nibs, sharpener, ereaser and ink as well as paper and envelopes. I am sure it was a treasured posession, Your grandfather-in-law was a true philosopher of life, the best kind of person. I wonder if any of his writings can still be traced? Who but a letteed person would have posessed such a case?
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious Kaipetti!
ReplyDeleteThe hinges are shiny and strong till date. Preserve it well, actually I know you will. :)
a nice remembrance of a well-loved family member. i've seen similar wood briefcase of a grandparent but i haven't seen it for a long time.
ReplyDeleteArija, he was a land worker to the core, first and last, all his life. All his interactions were were verbal. I am sincerely making an effort to write longer about him, just from the recollections of my husband and his siblings.
ReplyDeleteIndrani - the box remains where it has always belonged.
What a wonderful treasure! How old is it, do you think? And it must smell heavenly too.
ReplyDeleteMy husband recollects his grand-dad mentioning that it was his mother's.. so all I can say is the box is about 4 generations old.. 90+ years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing this to us and telling us about it. I've never seen anything like it! Reverence is evident in your description.
ReplyDeleteIt surely isn't valueless. So great that you can have such an heirloom
ReplyDeletethey no longer do that. wahta collector's delight.
ReplyDeleteI have one almost exactly like it1 Handed down a couple of generations like yours too, so I know how much you must treasure it :)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea what they were called though. Thanks for filling in that gap!
That briefcase is really very old, I don't think I have ever seen that kind of briefcase ever.
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