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Thimble Box

unknownRepublic of Korea/Joseon Dynasty

National Folk Museum of Korea

National Folk Museum of Korea
Seoul, South Korea

A thimble is a sewing tool used for pushing a needle into fabric and for protecting fingers from being pricked by the needle. A thimble is placed on the index finger of the hand holding the needle. Serving both practical and decorative purposes, this small tool varies in material and shape according to the maker’s sewing skill and affluence. A thimble is typically made in the shape of a half moon and with enough length to cover one finger joint. The front and back sides are cut separately and sewn together along the edge with silk thread. A small piece of leather or layers of cotton cloths stiffened with starch are covered using silk cloth embroidered with auspicious symbols such as an apricot blossom, peony, lotus flower, bat, butterfly, heavenly peach, pomegranate, yin and yang symbol, and the Ten Longevity Symbols. Some are tightly wrapped with twisted cotton threads to prevent the needle from piercing the thimble. Others are decorated by stitching together two different colors on one side or covering the front and back sides with different colored cloth. It is generally lined with cotton cloth or paper, which absorbs sweat and thus keeps it clean.

Details

  • Title: Thimble Box
  • Creator: unknown
  • Date Created: Republic of Korea/Joseon Dynasty
  • Location: 한국
  • Physical Dimensions: Width 24 Length 13.8 Height 5
  • Type: Housing/Daily Supplies/Family Heirloom Item/Sewing Tool
  • Medium: Leno weave/Silk

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