Antique Wood Japanese Zakuri Silk Winding Machine. Probably made during the late Edo period in Japan. Includes a total of 3 Itomaki with silk thread in gold, copper and blue. These reeler machines were used for winding raw silk from caterpillars into silk thread. Handcarved wooden gears spin the Itomaki or bobbin on top, rocker arm moves back and forth to wind evenly. The Zakuri is a Japanese silk reel with interchangeable bobbins, which are called Itomaki. They were produced in large numbers toward the end of the Edo period (1603 - 1867) in order to encourage cottage industry silk reeling in Japan, but today are very hard to find. They are known as sedentary, or seated, reeling machines. Zakuri measures 21 long x 10 widex 12 tall. 3 varied size Itomaki, largest 6x6x8. Provenance: A Hilton Head South Carolina Private Collection. 21x10x12+ 3 6x6x8. Wt total is 12 pds

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