Thread Box

This is a thread box used to organize and store various kinds of dyed threads used for sewing or embroidering. The cuboid thread box shown here was made of strawboards and then covered with blue mulberry paper. Inside the box, there are yellow-, red-, green-, and blue-colored covers. It has a hinged top flap with a brass lock at the end of the flap door. When the box is opened, a pair of doors are on the front, behind which two drawers are stacked in two tiers. A ring-shaped brass handle is attached to the front of each drawer. Above the drawers is a tray divided into two compartments containing colorful pouches including those consisting of two blocks, four blocks, and eight blocks of color. The tray is covered using flaps that fit together in a jigsaw-like shape. Each inside surface in the thread box is decorated with paper cut into the shape of a yin and yang symbol, butterflies, flowers, and cranes. A modified inscription of "壽," meaning longevity, embellished the surface of the top flap.