Each box is well-crafted from dense, finely grained zitan. The bulbous body neatly incised in flowing cursive script with poetic inscriptions referring to the game of weiqi, the calligraphy executed with precision and confidence. The surfaces display a smooth polish and a rich, dark patina characteristic of well-preserved zitan.
A pair of zitan ‘weiqi’ boxes (Qing dynasty)
Description
Dimensions: 8cm high, 12cm diameter
Provenance:
A private Scandinavian collection, acquired in the 1980s
Each box is well-crafted from dense, finely grained zitan. The bulbous body neatly incised in flowing cursive script with poetic inscriptions referring to the game of weiqi, the calligraphy executed with precision and confidence. The surfaces display a smooth polish and a rich, dark patina characteristic of well-preserved zitan.
Boxes of this type were used to store the black and white stones for the game of weiqi, a popular pastime among scholars and officials. Compare a similar box offered at Lyon & Turnbull, 13 May 2020, lot 9.
