Knucklebones Collection

Gauchos playing Jacks (chromolitho)
735685 Gauchos playing Jacks (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gauchos playing Jacks)

Games of the Russians on the streets, Between 1792 and 1820. Private Collection

Boys playing Knucklebones (Babki), ca 1812. Artist: Korneev (Karneev), Yemelyan Mikhaylovich (ca 1780-after 1839)
Boys playing Knucklebones (Babki), ca 1812. Private Collection

Boys playing Knucklebones (Babki). Found in the Collection of State Museum of A.S. Pushkin, Moscow

Knucklebones. Illustration from Il costume antico e moderno o storia del governo? by Giulio Ferrario, 1831. From a private collection

Boys playing Knucklebones, 1860s
Boys playing Knucklebones

October, wine-making, early 16th century. Grapes are pressed and wine is drawn from a barrel. Below: skittles with knuckle-bones. From a Flemish calendar in the collection of the British Library

Greek red-figure astragalos with dancing figures, 5th century BC
This is a Greek red-figure astragalos (vessel in the form of a knucklebone) which was made in Athens. On the left is Aeolus at the mouth of his cave, dancing the dance of the clouds, 5th century BC

Terracotta group of knucklebone (astragalos) players, Hellenistic Greek, c330-c300 BC. The two figures play a game similar to the modern game of jacks. From the British Museums collection

Greek bronze mirror case with Aphrodite and Pan, c350 BC. Aphrodite and Pan are depicted with an incised drawing playing knucklebones, a popular childrens game. Said to be from Corinth

Close-up of a Greek bronze mirror-back, showing Aphrodite and Pan playing knuckle-bones, from the British Museums collection

Roman painting on marble of ladies playing knucklebones
Roman painting on marble of Niobes daughters playing knucklebones, from Pompeii. Now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples

Women playing knucklebones (astragaloi) and standing figures of goddesses Latona, Niobe and Phoebe from Italy
Roman civilization, 1st century A.D. Women playing knucklebones (astragaloi) and standing figures of goddesses Latona, Niobe and Phoebe, painting on marble, 49x42 cm. From Herculaneum

Knucklebones
Young medaeval lad playing knucklebones while two ladies look on. Date: 1922

Scene of Tavern Life in Pompeii
Fresco wall painting of Tavern Life in Pompeii with two men playing dice or knucklebones

Women playing Knucklebones. Terracotta, South Italian Greek, about 300 BC. Height: 8 inches
GREEK TERRACOTTA, 300 B.C. Women playing Knucklebones. Terracotta, South Italian Greek, about 300 BC. Height: 8 inches

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"Knucklebones: A Timeless Game of Skill and Fun" Step back in time and witness the joyous scenes of Gauchos playing Jacks, captured in a vibrant chromolitho. These skilled players from between 1792 and 1820 showcased their dexterity on the streets, engaging in thrilling games that brought communities together. Transport yourself to ca 1812, where boys immersed themselves in the excitement (Babki), as depicted by artist Korneev (Karneev), Yemelyan Mikhaylovich. Their youthful enthusiasm radiates through the artwork, reminding us of the universal appeal this game held across generations. Explore further into history with an illustration from Il costume antico e moderno o storia del governo? by Giulio Ferrario in 1831. Luigi Giarre's artistic prowess brings to life a scene featuring Knucklebones players engrossed in their game. The intricate details showcase how this pastime transcended borders and cultures. Fast forward to the 1860s, where boys continue to find delight in playing Knucklebones. This timeless activity has stood the test of time, providing endless entertainment for young minds throughout centuries. Delve even deeper into antiquity with Greek red-figure astragalos adorned with dancing figures dating back to the 5th century BC. Witnessing these ancient artifacts reminds us that Knucklebones was not just a passing trend but an integral part of human leisure for thousands of years. Marvel at Hellenistic Greek terracotta groups depicting knucklebone (astragalos) players from c330-c300 BC; their animated poses capturing moments frozen in time forevermore. These figurines serve as testament to how deeply ingrained this game was within ancient societies. Discover a Roman painting on marble showcasing elegant ladies indulging in knucklebone games; their gracefulness adding another layer to this beloved pastime.