Boxes and Shell Game (Kaiawase)

Place of OriginJapan

DateEdo Period (1615-1868), about 1750

Dimensions3 boxes and cover: H: 9 9/16 in.; W: 9 9/16 in.; Depth: 10 3/4 in.
2 boxes and cover: H: 9 9/16 in; W: 9 9/16 in.; Depth: 7 7/16 in.
Base: H: 11 13/16 in.; W: 11 13/16 in.; Depth: 3 3/4 in.

MediumLacquer and shells; Nashiji ground with hiramakie design. 6 pairs of painted shells.

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineGift of Harry A. Fee

Object number

1952.55A-N

Not on View

Description5 boxes, 2 covers, and a base.

Label TextThe Hamaguri, a kind of clam, was highly prized in Japan as the finest of all shell fish. The shell of the hamaguri became the basis of a frivolous game (kaiawase) played by court ladies from the 13th to the 19th century. To play the game, 360 shell halves were divided between two players or teams. Only the correct halves of a particular shell would join. The object of the game was to find the joining shell halves.Published ReferencesReich, Paula, Toledo Museum of Art: Map and Guide, London, Scala, 2009, p. 31, repr. (col.)