Bold Parcheesi Gameboard with Written Provenance. 

Ohio, ca. 1875.

This elaborate Parcheesi gameboard has an integrated design that wraps seamlessly around a vibrant central field. The striking bright-green half-rounds are complemented by a rich palette of black, mustard, cream, red, and orange, creating a captivating visual.

A seldom found feature of this gameboard is a provenance on the reverse, revealing that it was originally made as a first-anniversary gift, which explains the uncommon effort the folk artist made to design and to render such a special and enduring gift. From a single thin board, this piece has been well-preserved, with an old stabilized split reinforced by battens on the back. The aged surface carries a yellowed patina. The edges are painted black emulating a frame.

About 21 ½ inches square. First acquired in 2007 from the original owner’s family in Xenia, Ohio; private collection since then.