Chinese Seamstress's Tool

Tilted on the sheet as if it were about to be thrown like a tiny javelin.

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. Slim, slightly angled shank carries a small, tidy eye at the left and a squat, curved scoop at the right, turned slightly downward. The surface is dark and smooth, with a few faint pale highlights. It is 9.25 inches wide.

Slim, poised, and about to make a point.