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Beautiful pair of late 19th century lacquered whist counters designed in hiramaki-e (metal dust sprinkled on wet lacquer, re-lacquered, and raised to a low relief), with eight inlaid bone pegs (shibayama) and with various beetles and birds in mother of pearl, tortoise, and coral . Birds in flight among wisteria and peony blossoms are executed in shades gold lacquer.
Measure: 3 5/8"l x 2 3/8"w
BACKGROUND: Counters like these were used to keep score in the game of whist, an immensely popular Victorian era card game, the precursor of bridge. The Japanese artisans who crafted netsukes and inro turned their talents to making whist counters for the export market during the Meiji era, and these counters were even produced in the workshops of Carl Faberge. In the 1880\'s Orientalism became the rage in Great Britain and France, and exotic Japanese whist counters were eagerly sought after. The small hinged pegs flip up to represent tricks taken, with three tricks making a game; the five larger tabs represent games won. Whist counters are found in various materials, from very simple wood counters, to beautifully elaborate lacquer and shibayama examples like this pair.All pieces subject to prior sale
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