noun
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
貝覆いは平安時代の貴族の遊びです。
Kai-awase is a game of the Heian-period nobility.
この貝覆いの貝は美
The shells used in this kai-awase game are decorated with beautiful maki-e lacquer.
Often used interchangeably with 貝覆い for the game itself, but 貝合わせ can also refer to the matching of shells or the decorated shells as objects.
Compound of 貝 (kai, 'shell') and 覆い (ōi, 'covering'), referring to the act of covering or matching shells in the game.