Minneapolis Institute of Art

Playing Battledore

Gyohaku 魚泊

Date

1864, 1st lunar month

Medium

Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Like many customs associated with the coming of New Year, playing battledore has its origins in a religious rite. Dating to as early as the eighth century, it was originally played within shrine precincts to wish young girls good health. By the Edo period (1615-1868), it became customary to play the game during the New Year holidays. Although similar to badminton, it is played with a rectangular wooden paddle instead of a racket. One of the players shown here, the man holding a paddle in his right hand, is featured as Ebisu, a mythical figure typically depicted with a large round hat and a broad smile. As one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, Ebisu is associated with business success. Therefore, this print may have been commissioned by a group whose members were merchants. Japan, Asia

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