titleSumitsubo

 

nameLine, Chalk

 

dateCirca 1940

 

descriptionA wood chalk line (but instead of chalk, sumi (ink) is used. There is a wood wheel where a silk string rolls into. At the end of the string is a wood piece handle/weight shaped like a toggle - in Japanese it is called a karuko. The toggle is pulled away from the wheel through an ink pot (that has wadding to hold the ink chips stationary). Once pulled though, the string is soaked in ink and can be used to mark straight lines in carpentry.

 

history of use

 

Kenichi Maeno was given the tool by Mr Yukawa. Mr Maeno learned the carpentry trade under Mr Yukawa, who was an accomplished carpenter trained in Japan. When Mr Yukawa retired, he gave his tools, that he had brought from Japan, to Mr Maeno.

 

part ofKenichi Maeno collection
number2014.4.4

 

organisation

 

Nikkei National Museum
accessOpen