Red lacquered wooden pair of tongs in the shape of a bird. This tool was used to pull a needle and thread through thick and sturdy material for instance through the thick felt soles of ‘lotus’ shoes. The head of the bird looks very similar to a swallow’s head. The swallow symbolizes ‘Quiet’ or ‘Peaceful’. The tongs date from the end of the Qing period (1644 – 1912). Length 14.5 cm. Width 5.8 cm. Depth 1.5 cm.