A Pair of Japanese Clam Shaped Dishes

Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century, stoneware with glaze, shaped two clam shells, character mark to underside of each.


Each 3/4 x 3 x 4 3/4 in.

Sold to benefit the Yale University Art Gallery collection From the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery

A popular game during the Edo period in Japan Awase-gai, shell matching game, where the interior of clam shells were painted with decoration which then had to be matched. These dishes were probably inspired by this game.

Very minor rim chips and firing hairlines.