Strange seed pods - any ideas?

A friend of a friend (in Germany) has asked what these could be?  He says they're 'the seed pods of a climbing plant, they are in twos, joined at the stem, a nice light purple (but he said they turn a darker blue later'.  Any ideas? 

I'll try to get a pic .... 

It's ok, you can 'Stand Down' folks - we've found it - it's Akebia quinata.