JAPAN 1900 Meiji Pair of Shibayama Bezique Whist Game Counters With Insects

Japanese Bezique whist game counters.

This is a beautiful pair of Bezique or games markers counters from the latter part of the Meiji period of the imperial Japan, circa 1900. Each marker is of rectangular shape formed from high quality cuts carvings of brownish polished rose-wood. The main central panels are finely carved and depicts flowers and a butterfly applied with 24 karats gold. The eight of the lifting games marker tabs are carved in ivory with inlaid made up in the difficult Shibayama technique, showing the figures of different insects. Both retain their original patina and this great pair of markers will be a great addition for your Bijouterie cabinet. 

Bezique

Bezique or bésigue in French is a 19th-century French melding and trick-taking card game for two players that came to Britain and is still played today. The game achieved its greatest popularity in Paris by 1860 and had reached England by 1861. Perhaps the most famous proponent of the game was Winston Churchill, an avid player and early expert of six-pack, or "Chinese" bezique. There is some evidence that the English writers Willkie Collins and Christina Rossetti were also enthusiasts. However, since the late nineteenth century the game has declined in popularity. Although the original 1847 game was played with a single piquet pack of 32 cards, the rules already suggested that the game might be played with two packs which would double the number of available points and, by no later than 1864 in the US, the standard two-hand game had evolved to use two or even three euchre packs (also 32 cards).

Shibayama

The art form known as Shibayama is named after the Shibayama area of present-day Chiba prefecture. The Shibayama technique was created by Ōnoki Senzō, an Edo haberdasher who lived during the An’ei era (1772–1781). His style of inlaying became so popular that he named works done with the inlay technique after his hometown of Shibayama and later also adopted this name as his surname. Shibayama refers to the intricate carving and minute encrustation of various materials on to a ground material. The inlay typically consists of mother-of-pearl, ivory, tortoiseshell and coral, the combination creating a delightful contrast of colors and textures.

Meiji period

Is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Weight: 103.2 Grams.

Measurements: Each piece is 89 mm by 58 mm by 10 mm (3.75 x 2.28 x 0.40 Inches).

Disclosure Note: This is an antique relics piece with over 100 years old or more and originally carved during the Meiji dynasty (1868-1912) in Japan.

Condition: The overall condition of this pair is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage and all parts are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D070324MEEG/.9635