Game Paddle Item Number: Ed5.2846 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Short handled paddle shape cut from one piece of wood. Flattened female figure on curved cardboard backing attached to front surface. Figure has a high rounded crown gold hat with a red trim and silver flowers which is tied with a white cord under the chin. Painted face. Multi-coloured brocade gown with conch shell, umbrella, clouds, and mountain design. Her left hand a holds gold and black carrying stick. Red cord on one end attaches to a brocade bag. Figure is raised by three wooden props: one under the shoulders and two under the head. Handle is covered with green and gold brocade in a tortoise shell pattern. Face of board covered with sille painted with wisteria. Back is painted with a black branch and white berries. Small metal bell under head of figure.
History Of Use
Battledore or hanetsuki is an outdoor girl's game played at new year. Battledores with gala figures date from the Edo Period. Boards with ornate, brocade dolls were probably used as wall decorations.
Iconographic Meaning
Conch shell and umbrella are Buddhist symbols of wisdom, insignia of royalty, spiritual authority and charity.
Narrative
Part of the Miss Jessie M. Miller Collection. Miss Miller was a teaching evangelist for the Anglican Church of Canada.
Item History
- Made in Japan
- Collected between 1935 and 1968
- Owned by Jessie M. Miller
- Owned by Dorothy W. Miller, Mrs. Donovan F. Miller and Donovan F. Miller before November 9, 1977
- Received from Donovan F. Miller (Donor), Mrs. Donovan F. Miller (Donor) and Dorothy W. Miller (Donor) on November 9, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Japanese
- Previous Owner
- Jessie M. Miller, Dorothy W. Miller, Mrs. Donovan F. Miller and Donovan F. Miller
- Received from
- Donovan F. Miller (Donor), Mrs. Donovan F. Miller (Donor) and Dorothy W. Miller (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Japan
When
- Collection Date
- between 1935 and 1968
- Ownership Date
- before November 9, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on November 9, 1977
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0422/0037