Ramayana Ganjifa (Playing Cards)

Currently not on view

Ramayana Ganjifa (Playing Cards)

20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This complete set of 144 cards has 12 suits, each dedicated to a character from the Ramayana. In this trick-taking card game, Rama and five allies battle Ravana and five demons. The suits are distinguishable by color and sign: Rama's suit is red and his sign is an arrow, Ravana's is maroon with a mace, and Hanuman's is dark blue with a mountain of herbs (although it looks more like a cap). Hanuman is also featured on the brightly painted storage box.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Ramayana Ganjifa (Playing Cards)

Date:

20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Painted wood box; watercolor on paper, mounted on cotton

Dimensions:

Box: 2 7/8 × 4 7/8 × 2 1/2 inches (7.3 × 12.4 × 6.4 cm) Diameter (each card): 1 5/8 inches (4.1 cm)

Classification:

Toys (including dolls, games, puppets)

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley F. Myers, 1995

Accession Number:

1995-151-7a,b(1--144)

Geography:

Made in Odisha, India, Asia

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Currently not on view