Shell-matching (“kai-awase”) was a popular amusement of the Edo period, and its equipment was often included in the suite of lacquer furniture that was part of the bridal trousseau of a daimyo lady. Each half of a shell was decorated with an identical miniature painting based on a scene derived from Japanese classical literature. The “Tale of Genji” and other romances were the most common sources of imagery. A complete set comprised 360 shells. The game was basically a test of memory: one set of shell halves was placed face down on the floor, and as shells from the second set were removed face up from an octagonal shaped lacquer container (“kaioke” or “shell bucket”), competitors took turns inverting shells to see if images matched. Since each side of the bivalve shells will match properly with only its original mate, the game came to be associated with marital fidelity. (See “Edo: Art in Japan 1615-1868” by Robert T. Singer.) These lovely miniature paintings, which incorporate elements long associated with the Tosa school, are extremely decorative.

CONDITION is perfect.

DIMENSIONS: Each shell is 4” (10.2 cm) x 3 ¼" (8.4 cm) x 1” (2.5 cm) high. Wood box is 9 ¼” (23.5 cm) x 5” (12.7 cm) x 1 ¾” (4.5 cm) high.