Home > Animals > Mollusks > Cockles
Game of hot cockles, 14th century
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Game of hot cockles, 14th century
Women playing hot-cockles, where the kneeling girl must guess whose hand is upon her, 14th century. Handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt from his own Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, Chatto and Windus, London, 1876
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23205142
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Guessing Illuminated Manuscript Pastimes Strutt
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mollusks
> Cockles
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sports
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
Hot Cockles,
EDITORS COMMENTS
a popular 14th century game of chance and guesswork, is depicted in this intricately detailed hand-colored lithograph by Joseph Strutt. The image captures a group of women gathered around a table, engaged in the lively and playful activity. At the center, a young girl kneels with her back to the players, her hands shielding her eyes as she tries to identify whose hand is touching hers. The hands of the women, each adorned with elegant rings and intricate jewelry, hover over the girl, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the scene. The game of Hot Cockles, also known as "Touch the Hand," was a common pastime among the people of England during the Middle Ages. The objective was for the girl to guess which hand belonged to her partner or suitor, adding an element of romance and courtship to the game. The name "Hot Cockles" may have originated from the heat generated by the close proximity of the players' hands, or from the term "cockle," which means a small, rounded seed or grain. This illustration is taken from Joseph Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes of the People of England," first published in 1801 and later reissued in 1876. Strutt, a renowned antiquarian and illustrator, meticulously researched and documented various aspects of English folklore, customs, and traditions, providing valuable insights into the daily life and entertainment of the past. The richly illuminated manuscript-style lithograph not only showcases the beauty and intrigue of the Hot Cockles game but also offers a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of medieval England.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
