Fish game counters carved from ox bone. Each measures 2 1/2" long by 1/2" wide and has an incised mouth and eyes filled with red stain. These have a beautiful grain and have mellowed to a creamy yellow color. Fish-shaped game counters were imported from China in the 18th century and used in card games like whist or loo. Many later ended up in sewing baskets as thread winders. These look nice grouped in a dish and are quite tactile.
