Item HT 38634 Game - Mikado Pick-Up Sticks, Estrela, Brazil, 1980-2000

Summary

Mikado pick-up sticks game comprising 40 wooden sticks in a cylindrical cardboard tube. The brand name 'Mikado' refers to the Emperor of Japan. The game was popularized in Europe and exported around the world. This example is made by Estrela in Brazil.

The use of a UPC-style barcode on the packaging suggests the game dates no earlier than the 1980s, when barcodes became more widely used.

Used as a prop in the 'House Secrets' exhibition at Scienceworks, 6 March 2006 to 14 July 2013. Most of the props for the exhibition were sourced from opportunity shops in 2002 and 2003 by curator Andi Horvarth and other Museum Victoria staff. 'House Secrets' aimed to 'Explore the science behind all the familiar things in our homes', presenting 'all sorts of wonderful things we might find around the home, from the food we eat, to the appliances we use, to the animals we share our living space with.' The exhibition was 'highly interactive'.

Physical Description

Cylindrical cardboard tube containing 40 wooden sticks painted red, yellow, green and blue. The tube is covered by coloured paper with inscription and images of sticks within. Removable white plastic lid; fixed metal base.