Swift
Devised by a sailor, the swift is a reel-like turning instrument used for the winding of yarns, silks, and threads of various sorts. This example has a standard of delicately turned ivory and a collapsible framework made of whalebone strips. The strips have been arranged to work on the "lazy tongs" principle, a system of jointed strips or bars which can be extended or collapsed.
Artwork Details
- Title: Swift
- Date: ca. 1850
- Medium: Ivory, whalebone
- Dimensions: H. 19 in. (48.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1909
- Object Number: 10.125.643
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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