Not currently on display at the V&A

The Popular Round Game of Patchesi

Board Game
1890s (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pachisi has been played in India for many centuries and is considered the country's national game. The name is derived from the Indian word for 25, which is the highest throw of cowrie shell dice. The game was introduced into England at the end of the 19th century and became better known as Ludo. John Jaques registered the name Patchesi in 1887.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 15 parts.

  • Board Game
  • Box Lid
  • Box Base
  • Shaker
  • Board
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
  • Counter
TitleThe Popular Round Game of Patchesi (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Printed paper on card
Brief description
Card board game, Patchesi, made in England by John Jaques & Son Ltd in the 1890s
Physical description
Design: printed card playing surface, folded
No. of squares: 96
Squares illustrated: none
Square numbering: none
Subject of starting square: marked
Subject of ending square: marked
Dimensions
  • Height: 42cm
  • Width: 42cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by A. R. Martin
Object history
Cross shape set against a diamond shaped board, with a centre square and four arms leading from it. Each arm has 24 squares of which each has 3 marked with a cross design.
John Jaques registered the name Patchesi in 1887.



CGG - Games & Puzzles, 1991
Historical context
Rewards: extra turns
Forfeits: missed turns
No. of Players: 4
Equipment required: markers, counters, dice

Rules placement: ?
Summary
Pachisi has been played in India for many centuries and is considered the country's national game. The name is derived from the Indian word for 25, which is the highest throw of cowrie shell dice. The game was introduced into England at the end of the 19th century and became better known as Ludo. John Jaques registered the name Patchesi in 1887.
Collection
Accession number
MISC.28-1973

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Record createdMarch 4, 2000
Record URL
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