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Ten-Round Incense Game — Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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Written by: Selin KurtResearcher · Asian Art
Asian Art · Catalogue no. 14619
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Ten-Round Incense Game

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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A popular pastime in the Edo period was a game in which a group of players passed around incense and guessed its name or scent. Small pieces of incense would be placed on thin mica plates and heated over hot ash, releasing their aroma for the players to smell. Players then cast their guesses with playing pieces. The game master kept score with the writing set. This game is handsomely decorated with images of deer in an autumn setting.

Artist / MakerJapan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Date1700s–mid-1800s
Culture / OriginJapan, Edo period (1615–1868)
MediumLacquered wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e) and mother-of-pearl inlay, metal fittings
DimensionsOverall: 23 x 25.4 x 16.6 cm (9 1/16 x 10 x 6 9/16 in.)
DepartmentJapanese Art
TypeLacquer
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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