Pair of glass 'Go boxes', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Pair of Go '围棋' boxes with lids made of crystal or '琉璃' glass, blue-green in colour, with carved inscriptions and borders. The shape is similar to a gourd, with ridges that emerge from the base and continue into the domed lid. The wider flaps have an inscription of four engraved characters interspersed by a thinner, undecorated inscription. There is a carved band of fretwork on the rim. In very good condition.

On the base are four engraved characters "乾隆年制" (Qiánlóng nián zhì) from the Qianlong period (1736 - 1795). And on the outside is engraved the following poem: "他郷復行役，駐馬別孤墳。 近淚無乾士，低空有斷雲。 對棋陪謝傅，把劍覓徐君。 唯見林花落，鶯啼送客聞."

Go is a two-person board strategy game that originated in China over 2500 years ago. It was one of the four essential arts in ancient times for its comprehensive strategies and combinations. Each player is assigned a colour before starting (black or white) and takes turns placing checkers on the intersections of the board. Once a piece has been placed, it cannot be moved, although it is allowed to capture opponent's pieces. The aim is to control more than 50% of the area.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

Height: 9 cm; Diameter: 11 cm; Total Weight: 1474 g