Chinese Seamstress's Tool

Straight as a ruler until it suddenly remembers to curl up into a blade.

This iron seamstress's tool is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. Sewing tools of this kind were often kept in a basket or box together with needles, thread and scissors, and were handled constantly over many years. The thin round shank runs perfectly level to a small open eye at the left. At the right it kinks down and sweeps up into a smooth, curved blade. The finish is an even, matte brown. It is 10 inches wide.

Straightforward, until the very last inch.