Miniature Wooden Suanpan Abacus

This item is a traditional Chinese style miniature abacus, known as a suanpan, constructed with a dark-stained hardwood rectangular frame. The frame features nine vertical metal rods that serve as the guide for the counting beads. It follows the classical 2/5 configuration, consisting of two beads on shorter upper deck rods representing five units each, and five beads on the lower deck rods representing one unit each per column. The beads have a biconical or flattened spherical shape and appear to be made of wood or possibly a dense resin with a metallic bronze-toned finish. The overall craftsmanship suggests a decorative or portable scale, likely measuring between 3 to 5 inches in width. The finish on the wood shows a consistent walnut-like stain with a slight satin sheen. The condition appears to be excellent vintage or contemporary condition with no visible cracks in the frame, missing beads, or bent rods. There is no visible maker's mark or signature on the exterior faces, suggesting it may be a mass-produced artisanal gift item or a desk accessory. The style is mid-to-late 20th-century traditional, often used as a symbol of prosperity and business acumen.

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