Set of Kaiawase (Shell Game)
Japanese
Description
Kaiawase is a shell matching game originally played by court ladies during the Heian period (794–1185) and later by women of the aristocratic, military, and wealthy merchant classes. This set features scenes from The Tale of Genji, and players would have been expected to recognize each of the scenes. The object was to match the pairs, relying on the natural pattern of the outer shell to identify the correct match. Once matched, players would turn over the shell to reveal intricately painted narrative episodes from the novel. If the scenes matched, the player gained a point. As each shell had only one match, kaiawase became a symbol of perfect matrimonial union; in turn, it alluded to female chastity. For this reason a kaiawase set was a significant part of an upper class woman’s bridal trousseau.
Subject Matter:
During the Heian period (794-1185), Kaiawase --a shell matching game-- was originally played among court ladies and later by aristocratic, military, and wealthy merchant-class women. This set depicts scenes from The Tale of Genji, which players would have to recognize to properly match the pairs. Kaiawase was viewed as a symbol of perfect matrimonial union since each shell had only one match, thus, the shells were treasured belongings of brides.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.