226 shinkiribasami (wick trimmer)

Used to trim the wick of offertory candles for the family Buddhist altar, this closely resembles the old European snuffers. Such tools are disappearing from daily life but we must appreciate the heartful handiwork and beauty in form of present day articles. Made in Kyoto.
(“The Complete Works of Soetsu Yanagi — Pictorial records — Soetsu Yanagi’s collection — Encyclopedia of Mingei vol. 4”, The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (ed.), published 10th September 1983.)