Congolese Wood Textile Hanger

Slim, reddish, twenty-nine and a half inches. The Congo made even its cloth rods carefully.

This textile hanger was carved in the 20th century. Rods of this kind were used to suspend cloth, and the carved ends gave the maker a moment of ornament on an everyday object. One end is shaped into a flared, bell-like finial with incised patterning, set off by a narrow collar. The shaft swells slightly, then tapers to a fine point. The wood is smooth and even, with a soft sheen and subtle grain.

Understated. Well balanced. Group it with others, or let it be the only one.