RARE SUPERB MEIJI Period Pair Japanese black lacquered Kaioke Boxes 19th Century
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RARE SUPERB MEIJI Period Pair Japanese black lacquered Kaioke Boxes 19th Century:
$499.00
Meiji Period - Pair of Japanese black lacquered Kaioke Boxes. 19th Century Approximately 16.5 inches tall and 15 inches in diameter A pair of Japanese lacquer kaioke (shell game boxes) Meiji Period, covered with brass bound chamfered corners on conforming ribbed body raised on brass-bound and decorated stylized hoof legs; all bound with braided rope ending in tassels.Japanese, pair of Shell-Game Boxes (Kaioke), Meiji Period, 19th century. Black lacquer, silk tassels. Used for storing painted shells for the shell matching game (Kaiawase). In this game, two sets of shells, with related or identical scenes from classical Japanese tales, such as The Tale of Genji, were required. One set would be placed face-down in front of the participants. The second set remained in one of the two elegantly-decorated lacquer buckets in which the entire sets were stored. Players removed the shells one at a time from the box. They looked at the scene on the shell and attempted to find its mate by turning over one shell from the other set at each turn. The player with the most pairs at the end of the game was declared winner. This game was invented by courtiers in the Heian period (794-1185) and remained exceptionally popular throughout the Edo period (1615-1868), especially at New Year\'s time. Since each shell had only one suitable match, these sets were considered auspicious symbols for newlyweds. Thus, kaiawase sets were often included in the wedding trousseau of high-ranking samurai ladies and aristocrats.Condition: Apart from the fact that the lacquer finish has dulled from overexposure to light and some minor chips, these boxes appear to be in good condition. A pair that measures approximately 16.5 x 15 inches each. One box is missing a few small metal diamond shaped pieces that are mounted to the legs. I have not attempted to clean them and am selling them as a I found them. It came from a wealthy owner who lived in Kahala which is the Beverly Hills of Hawaii. One engraved metal piece on the cover has come off but can easily be mounted back with glue or nails.Please email with any questions. Thanks for looking.Please understand that these items are over 150 years old and will not be perfect. I have included a lot of pictures so you can see exactly what you are getting.
RARE SUPERB MEIJI Period Pair Japanese black lacquered Kaioke Boxes 19th Century:
$499.00