A Comprehensive Collection of Ninety-Six Roundels from a ‘Ganjifa’ Game
A Comprehensive Collection of Ninety-Six Roundels from a ‘Ganjifa’ Game
Period 1800-1900
Origin India
Medium Paper, polychrome, Wood, Card
Dimension 5.2 cm (2 inches)
Ganjifa, also known as ‘Ganjapa’ or ‘Gânjaphâ’, is a card game and type of playing cards
The circular cards are polychromed, featuring various scenes of daily courtly life, battles, and hunting. They are housed in a rectangular box, which is also profusely decorated with hunting scenes and courtly processions
The cards are housed in their original rectangular case with a sliding lid, which is also adorned with processional scenes
Paper, card, wood, polychrome
India
19th century
Size: roundels 5.2cm dia. - 2 ins dia. / box: 7cm high, 14.5cm wide, 7cm deep - 2¾ ins high, 5¾ ins wide, 2¾ deep
Period: 1800-1900
Origin: India
Medium: Paper, polychrome, Wood, Card
Dimension: 5.2 cm (2 inches)
Provenance: Ex European collection
Literature: Originating in Persia, the cards are now widely associated with Mughal India. Traditionally handprinted by artisans, they gained immense popularity at the Mughal Court, where elaborate sets were crafted, including our exquisite example. The game in India has a history dating back to approximately 1600, with the serving rules established from that era.
Finch & Co
Antiquities, ethnographica, natural history, sculpture and works of art
More artworks from the Gallery
