Tale of Genji illustrated on shells
These clamshells were designed for shell-matching game, which was popular with court aristocrats during the Heian period of Japan (9th to 12th century).
They are also called the "origin of Uta-Karuta" (traditional poem cards).
In order to express the elegance of the dynastic culture, clamshells are colored with gold color.
They are also called the "origin of Uta-Karuta" (traditional poem cards).
In order to express the elegance of the dynastic culture, clamshells are colored with gold color.
