A Chinese hardwood snapline holder, 19th century. With three engraved stars, a heart shaped well for the ink soaked material and slots in sides and top, this well used carpentry tool is a fine work of folk art. It has a slot for a spatulate device in one side, an iron crank and wood wheel for the ink line. Its shape resembles that of a shoe or boat. There is a heavy ink crust worn in places. Dimensions are 3 1/4" high X 8 3/4" long X 3 1/4" wide or 8cm X 22cm X 8cm.