kai-awase; Heian-period shell-matching game
Refers to a traditional game where players match pairs of decorated clam shells. The term 貝覆い is often used synonymously with 貝合わせ, though 貝合わせ can also refer to the shells themselves or the matching activity.
See also: 貝合わせ
Kai-awase is a game of the Heian-period nobility.
The shells used in this kai-awase game are decorated with beautiful maki-e lacquer.