This is a vintage Chinese bronze tool used for ironing silk and other fabrics. Hot coals were placed in the scoop flat bottom could then be used to iron cloth. This was likely made in the mid 1900's. There are four inlayed stones in the handle and a band of jade or jadeite encircles the end o f the handle.

The iron is about 10" long by 3" tall by 4" wide (25.5 x 7.5 x 10 cm). Having been carefully displayed and in storage for much of the past 50 years, with just a bit of oxidation on the bronze finish, it remains in very good condition. The handle can to turned and will loosen a bit. Marked "CHINA".