A Hand Carved Korean Spool #6: Vintage

ca. mid to late twentieth century
2 1/2" x 5 1/2", 6.5 cm x 14 cm

This is a small, hand carved oblong made from a lightweight wood which is reminiscent of kiri or paulowina wood.  It seems to have been coated with a coat of red-toned lacquer which has seeped into the porous wood.

It is said to be a thread or yarn spool; it seems to have been used lightly.

The hand carving on the face of the spool is rustic and lovely; on the verso the wood is lightly scored in a repeat of diagonals.

This vintage piece is, obviously, great for winding yarns or thread, but it would also make a nice home accessory, such as coaster for a small, Chinese or Japanese style tea cup.