"Carpet Ball" Marble, 1800-1880

01

Artifact Overview

This 19th-century carpet ball was used to play an indoor game modeled after Lawn Bowls. Rules usually involved a smaller pottery ball placed at one end of a carpet. Players tried to roll larger balls, like this one, as close as possible to win points. In the 19th and early 20th centuries glazed pottery balls were embellished with colorful stripes and sponge-patterned decoration.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Marble (Game piece)

Date Made

1800-1880

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2000.0.15.79

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Clay

Color

White (Color)
Blue

Dimensions

Diameter: 3.25 in

"Carpet Ball" Marble, 1800-1880