A vintage Japanese carpenters chalk line, hand carved in Japan from zelkova wood. 

Zelkova is an Asian elm known for the beauty of it's wood grain and it's durability. It's a very hard wood. 

We brought this from Kyoto.  

  It's missing the turning handle with its shaft. 

  The last photos about these "Sumitsubos" are from "Daruma" magazine in 1996.

  Everything you ever wanted to know about them.

We have been selling Japanese antiques for 26 years and are shipping from Los Angeles

We have other antique/vintage Japanese items on ebay. Please see our "Other" items. 

We will combine items for shipping.