milking pail

One of a pair of pail hooks (naigou). A twisted iron /steel double headed hook with curled back points is looped through a pale leather strap. The strap is decorated with an appliqué red leather panel, stitched with white thread and studded with three large dome headed pins.

Pail hooks are hung from a woman’s belt. This robust example looks like it was made with real use in mind, however often pail hooks are highly decorated and symbolise womanhood rather than serving any practical purpose.

Collection Information

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