Solid Brass Sumitsubo Japanese Ink Line by Jim Bode Tools

This 4.5-inch brass tool, unmarked and unadorned, is a traditional Chinese ink line, believed to have origins in ancient Egypt and China. Known as a sumitsubo, it's a significant spiritual symbol, historically left in shrines or temples as a treasure. Today, it's often given to master carpenters, who may donate it to shrines. Used to mark wood for cutting, like a Western chalk line, its deep well holds a silk cotton wad soaked in ink. As the line is drawn, it picks up ink for marking. Years of use reveal where the line has worn away the edges of the opening.