Pair of brass bookends, each 5 1/4 x 3 3/8 x 2 1/4. Heavy. Non-distinguishable markings on reverse. Possibly oriental.

The owl's keen vision and silent, nocturnal hunting habits have long been linked to wisdom, strategy and seeing what others miss.

In Japan, the owl is a highly positive symbol of luck and protection from hardship. The Japanese word for owl is fukurou. The sounds can be written with different characters to create auspicious meanings. Due to this wordplay, owls are popular engimono, or lucky charms. People carry owl-related charms or give them as gifts to wish others luck, such as to graduating students. In Japanese mythology, the Ainu people worshiped a deity named Cikap-kamuy, a great owl who was a watchful guardian of the land. 

In Ancient Greece, the owl was the symbol of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. 

However, at Scribe Fine Papers the Wise Old Owl says, Order early!