Antique Silk Spinning Wheel/Reel

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The multiple-spindle wheel and silk reel were first invented in China during the Song Dynasty (circa 1000 AD). Unlike Western … Read more The multiple-spindle wheel and silk reel were first invented in China during the Song Dynasty (circa 1000 AD). Unlike Western spinning wheels designed primarily for wool or flax, Chinese textile wheels were specifically engineered to process delicate silk filaments harvested from silkworm cocoons.

As textile production shifted to industrial factories in the early-to-mid 20th century, traditional domestic silk-reeling machinery fell out of utility. In recent decades, interior art collectors began preserving these discarded wheels as found object folk art. Their striking geometric symmetry, hand-carved details and rich aged patina have made them sought-after architectural sculptures for modern decor. See less