Chess Board, late 17th-early 18th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Huang-hua-li hardwood and ivoryexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 97.11a
Not on Viewexpand_more
Although board games were used in China as early as the Shang dynasty (about 1600-1027 BCE), it is likely that "Chinese" chess was invented in north India during the sixth century and spread to China and the West along trade routes.
This huanghuali board is inlaid with silver on one side for the game of xiangqi, or elephant chess. The thirty-two ivory markers are differentiated by a single inscribed character, colored in red or black. Chinese paintings and illustrated books show scenes of scholars playing the games of chess and weiqi (go) outdoors. This board folds up, making it convenient to transport and use outside.
Details
- Title
- Chess Board
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 97.11a
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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