Monthly Archives: November 2017

Object Spotlight: Japanese gunpowder flask with figures in Portuguese dress

                    This lacquered wood gunpowder flask (kayaku-ire) was produced in Japan. It is artistic in form but with an important practical use. The flask gives a useful insight into a fascinating … Continue reading

Posted in Collection research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Persian and Indian Playing Cards

Card games are amongst the most popular games in the world. Tracing the history of playing cards however is difficult, due to their perishable nature and ephemeral quality. It is believed that playing cards originated in China, later spreading westward … Continue reading

Posted in Collection research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment