Japan Antique Roadshow's video: Antique Japanese Silk Reel Bobbin - Old Wooden Itomaki

Description Antique Japanese silk reel bobbin. These items are called itomaki in Japan where they were in common use for silk thread production until roughly the end of the 19th century. The bobbins where used with special machines called zakuri which were often hand-powered and included clever gears and mechanisms to spool silk in a fast and efficient manner. Silk production was a widespread cottage industry in Japan through the end of the long and peaceful Edo period (1600-1868) and many traditional Japanese farmhouses were designed with special attic rooms for the pursuit of sericulture. About the Listed Item This hand-crafted antique wooden itomaki silk reel bobbin is in fine condition with no cracks. The bobbin dates from the early to mid 20th century and does have marks and scratches from use and wears a darkened patina of age. Brush-applied Japanese writing can be seen on some of the bobbin's spokes. Size: Length: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) Diameter: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) Weight: 2.7 ounces (78 grams) item code: R2S6-0004671 category code: nipponitomaki ship code: G3