Ganjifa playing card
Category
Ivory and bone
Date
1759 - 1760
Materials
Gilt, Ivory, Paint
Measurements
80 mm (Diameter)
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180679
Summary
Eighty eight round, ivory, Ganjifa playing cards with box (CLIVE.I.89 is the box); 1-28 are on display; 29-88 are still in the box (in case 15). From a set of painted ivory Ganjifa playing cards with gilded edges, housed in a lacquered box, Bengal (Murshidabad), c.1759-60. Exceptionally large and finely decorated, but conforming 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. See 'Treasures from India' catalogue pg.87, for details of suits. 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.