Lot 62. A pair of huanghuali lobed weiqi boxes and covers, 17th century; 7.5cm (3in) high. Sold for HK$ 315,000 (€ 35,828) (Estimate  HK$ 600,000-800,000). © Bonhams 2001-2021

Of squat form and lobed sides, the covers in the form of lotus leaves, the interior lacquered, the wood of dark honey tone, each box containing white and black weiqi playing pieces.

Note: Weiqi originated in ancient China and was one of the four accomplishments that a Chinese scholar had to practice. There is a tangle of conflicting popular and scholarly anecdotes attributing its invention to the two earliest emperors in China (Yao and Shun), an Imperial vassal (Wucao) and a court astrologer in the Western Zhou Dynasty. It is generally agreed that weiqi is at least 3000 to 4000 years old which makes it the world's oldest strategic board game.

Compare with a related pair of huanghuali boxes and covers, late Ming Dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's New York, 15th September 2015, lot 22. Compare also the form with another pair of zitan weiqi boxes, 17th-18th century, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong on 16th September 2016, lot 1213.

Bonhams. Elegant Gatherings. The Social Art of Chinese Scholars, Hong Kong, 2 Dec 2021