Dollhouse toys, ewer, Cl. 17772 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, ewer, Cl. 17776 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, ewer, Cl. 17778 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, glass, Cl. 17790 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, large oval dish, Cl. 17804 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, pan, Cl. 17846 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys, grill with two fish, Cl. 17852 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi

Dollhouse toys (lead)

Description

On display - room 19b

14th century

Late Middle Ages

Arthur Forgeais found these small lead objects when the Seine was being dragged in the 19th century, with the vast majority of the leads preserved at the Musée de Cluny (like pilgrimage tokens). They date from the late Middle Ages (late 14th to early 16th century).

This collection of miniature objects comprises: tableware (drinks: jugs, ewers, glasses; food: dishes, plates, spoons, knives); kitchen utensils (saucepans, roasting trays, grill, rotisserie, waffle maker, pruning knife and spatula); furniture (candlestick, tables, and brazier).

Their typology, resembling real tableware, suggests that these are children's games similar to those we know off that are made of terracotta. 

In the Middle Ages, games were part of everyday life. There is a wide variety of games: board games, card games, and so on. Some games are specifically designed for children, such as toy soldiers or a doll's tea set.

In addition, the doll's tea set at the Musée de Cluny includes a cup and a plate that could be miniatures of liturgical objects for the Eucharistic ceremony : a chalice and its paten.

It is likely that religious role-playing has been done since the Middle Ages, as documented in modern times. You could even be the bishop! As such, in the Middle Ages, games were not only for leisure, but were also a part of children’s education. By pretending to be adults, children of both princes and commoners could act out their future roles in society through play.
 

From one artwork to another

Tenture de la Vie Seigneuriale, La Promenade, Cl. 2178 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

La Vie Seigneuriale

Début du XVIe siècle

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century