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Chinese Carpenter's Inkline Reel, c. 1850

$588
£448.92
€514.17
CA$823.79
A$921.09
CHF 483.15
MX$11,156.65
NOK 6,098.84
SEK 5,761.93
DKK 3,837.79

About the Item

Given the beauty and thoughtful design of traditional Chinese furniture, it’s no wonder that Qing-dynasty carpenter’s tools were accorded the same attention to detail. This remarkably intact 19th century inkline reel was hand carved from northern elmwood with flowing, sculptural lines that belie its practical function. This ingenious tool was used to mark straight lines, incorporating a winding wheel that unraveled across an inkwell, marking thread as it was unwound. The inked thread was then drawn across a measured surface and anchored by a stickpin to stamp a straight guide line. Once an essential component of a Chinese carpenter's toolkit, this reel lives on as a storied sculptural object.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c. 1850
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BJC097A1stDibs: LU820012999051

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