This is a complete and very old authentic Japanese fishing 'float line'.  Many of you may already know that a fishing net is comprised of three basic parts:  1) netting, 2) a float line, and 3) a lead line (in modern times).

This float line is quite unique because it has some floats that are completely covered by netting, some floats that have very thick sisal nets, and some floats that are of the older wooden variety.

This float line includes 14 glass fishing floats.  All of these glass floats are 4 inches in diameter.  Twelve of the glass floats are completely covered and hidden by their nets.  Two of the glass floats are fitted with old thick sisal nets.  There are also four wooden floats.  The mixing of glass and wooden floats indicates to me that this float line could be dated from the transition period from the use of wooden floats to glass floats.

The float line also includes two wooden tags.  These tags are attached to both ends of the float line and were used to identify the ownership of the fishing net.  I've been told that these wooden tags have the owner's family name - Yamanodera - burnt into the wood.

I think this intact complete float line is a wonderful piece of Japanese glass fishing float history.