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Distaff
Distaff

Distaff

18th century
Object PlaceLow Countries
Medium/TechniqueFruitwood
DimensionsH. 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.); W. 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.); D. 86.68 cm (34 1/8 in.)
Credit LineFrederick Brown Fund
Accession number65.10
On View
On view
ClassificationsWood Carvings / Turnings
Collections
Description
When attached to a spinning wheel, a distalff holds the unspun fiber from which thread is drawn. A simple opening was sufficient to secure the mass of fiber at one end, but this distaff is beautifully carved along its whole length. The carving becomes increasingly elaborate as it rises from bottom to top, and it ends with the figure of a shephardess holding a miniature distaff.
ProvenanceJune 9, 1934, acquired by Leopold Blumka, Vienna [see note 1]; 1965, sold by Blumka Gallery, New York, to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 13, 1965)

NOTES:
[1] According to annotations on an index card (possibly a stock card from the Blumka Gallery) in the MFA curatorial file. Leopold Blumka moved the Blumka Gallery from Vienna to New York in 1939.