Antique Japanese ORNATELY CARVED Carpenters Sumitsubo Chalk Line Ink Pot 15th C
$75.00
Here we have an early Antique, ''ORNATELY CARVED' Carpenter's 'Sumitsubo' INK POT - 'Chalk Line'. Sumitsubo translates to “ink pot”. The inkpot has been a common tool in many Asian countries since ancient times. Traditionally, the carpenter would make the sumitsubo himself, taking pleasure in carving his favorite designs onto the inkpot. A thin line travels through holes at each end of a “pond” filled with absorbent silk or cotton waste soaked with ink, and then spools around a wheel or reel. As the line is let out it soaks up ink from the ‘pond’. Once it is stretched, the line is then ‘snapped’ to mark the surface for cutting, etc.
This piece is missing the line. It is hand carved and we believe it comes from the 15th or16th century or possibly earlier when we looked at many examples. It is old. It does have cracks to the wood. Please look over all pictures. A great piece of history!!
It is 7 3/8" long x 3 1/8" tall x 2 5/8" wide to handle
Fully insured.
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