Chinese Seamstress's Tool

Long thin tool with a swept-up scoop on one end and a coiled ring on the other.

This iron seamstress's tool is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. Iron tools were part of the daily work of Chinese households, where sewing, mending and embroidery were skills that women commonly practiced and passed from one generation to the next. Narrow, twisted-looking stem with fine lengthwise grooves, ending in a small angled blade like a tiny spade. A small round loop is formed at the far end. The finish is dark brown and a little gritty. It is 11 inches wide.

Elegant in a thin, practical way, with a ring for hanging.