A9392

Japanese whist marker; small hardwood block (probably rosewood) with eight folding ivory tabs, each with Shibayama inlaid insect decoration (all different); in the centre is a gold lacquer floral design, also with fine inlay; used by card players during a game; made during the Meiji period of Japanese history (1868-1912), reflecting increasing modernisation and contact outside Japan; these markers were produced solely for export to the West. Fine attention to detail. Horton collection.

late 19th/early 20th century

wood, ivory, mother of pearl, lacquer