Vintage French Nain Jaune Game - Jura Wooden Box, 5 Trays - Mid-20th Century

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A charming vintage French "Jeu du Nain Jaune" (the Yellow Dwarf), one of France's oldest family card games, first played in Lorraine around 1760.

Made in the Jura, the heartland of French wooden games, in the mid-20th century, and probably by the Liégeon / Jeujura workshop of Champagnole. The original rules inside the lid were printed by Imprimerie A. Gresset of Champagnole, which printed there from 1933 until 1967.

Wooden box with a sliding lid, printed with a striking jester in yellow holding a playing card and a jester's staff, cards at his feet, with "NAIN JAUNE" in bold lettering.

Inside, the base is printed with the full playing board and holds five removable wooden trays that lift out for play. Each tray is lined with one of the five honour cards: the King of Hearts ("Charles"), the Queen of Spades ("Pallas"), the Jack of Clubs ("Lancelot"), the Ten of Diamonds, and the grinning Yellow Dwarf holding the Seven of Diamonds in the centre. The colours are bold and bright, in classic French style.

The underside of the lid carries the original printed rules, "Règle du Jeu du Nain-Jaune".

Cards and counters are not included. The game plays with any standard 52-card deck and a handful of coins or counters, for 3 to 8 players.

Box approx. 29cm x 24cm.

Condition: box, slide and all five trays sound. The lid has water staining to the blue background, mainly at the top, and wear along the top edge. There is general scuffing, especially to the centre tray, and age-toning to the rules. See photos.

A lovely piece for collectors of vintage games, French decorative items, or as a playable family game.

Collection Belfast or Dublin.

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