WhatIzIt ???

[Man From Ironbark]

I've done things with sparklers and fireworks in the dark night and slow shutters. Striking a match is one.

[Dave]

Here's one that could be very easy or quite perplexing - I can't tell...

   

And the previous one that kinda looks like an upside-down Nike swoosh is of the curved top of a hanging light in our dining room, illuminated from above.

[Rich]

Well, the easy answer is a dish drainer for the sink. If not I will think on it!

[Dave]

I suspected someone to guess a dish drainer for the sink.

But that's not correct.

[Dave]

OK, some clues...

1) Rich was on target in one aspect: water is involved when using this object.
2) Although there seems to be no standard size for these objects, they are typically around 9" x 12" (23 x 30 cm), or sometimes a bit smaller.
3) Early versions that were often used for a different purpose were around as long ago as the 16th century.
4) In Europe, the use of these items began around 1675. Very common in the USA and Britain; most families had one or more of them: I'm sure my grandparents or great-grandparents used them. Probably used world-wide in most countries to some degree.

I could post a shot of the entire object, but a look at the unseen end would be a dead giveaway.

[Man From Ironbark]

It is a hot water bottle. I've known these all my life. I still use them. I also have a much smaller one which I wear around my waist for lower back pain.

[Dave]

You got it, MFI!

[Rich]

Wow! I have never seen one like that. Show a different view!

[Dave]

I found one shot of the entire thing...

   

[Rich]

I have not seen that style, interesting!