Detail: The beauty and artistry of the historical Japanese ‘shell matching’ game kai-awase is celebrated in a new exhibition at the centre of which is a contemporary 720-piece set commissioned by Melbourne philanthropist Dr Pauline Gandel AC. Comprising two Japanese lacquerware shell boxes and 720 gilded clam-shaped shells, each decorated with hand-painted Japanese and Australian flowers, this new edition of the game is the only complete example known to be in existence and provides audiences with a rare opportunity to admire the craftsmanship behind this centuries-old pastime.