Ganjifa playing card - the wazir (minister) of qimash (bolt of cloth)
Indian - Bengal
Category
Ivory and bone
Date
1759 - 1760
Materials
Ivory, gilt and paint
Measurements
80 mm (Dia)
Place of origin
Bengal
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180679.11
Summary
Ganjifa playing card, depicting the wazir (minister) of qimash (bolt of cloth), from a set of 88 circular ivory Ganjifa playing cards, Bengal (Murshidabad), c1759-60. The scenes are finely painted in lacquer on a white ground with gold leaf lining to the edge. The set conforms to one of the standard sets as used throughout India. The pack is divided into eight suits of 12 cards, each suit including 10 numerical and 2 court cards. Only 88 cards now in collection.
Provenance
This set was included in the 1775 Inventory as 'One ordinary Japan Box containing ninety-six Ivory Indian cards'. 12 duplicates are listed in the same inventory Lord Clive probably acquired the set between 1757 and 1760. Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963.
Makers and roles
Indian - Bengal, maker