Weiqi Collection

Chinese playing Go game, c. 1870-1890 (gouache)
1933971 Chinese playing Go game, c. 1870-1890 (gouache) by Chinese School, (19th century); (add.info.: Chinese people playing Go game (weiqi), chinese gouache, c. 1870-1890); Photo © CCI

Chinese playing game Go, 19th century (stamp)
1933952 Chinese playing game Go, 19th century (stamp) by Chinese School, (19th century); (add.info.: Chinese people playing Go game (weiqi), chinese stamp, 19th century); Photo © CCI

Landscape with Daoist Immortals Playing Weiqi, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), 15th century

Chinese and Tartar Boys Quarreling over a Game of Go, Japan, c. 1790. Creator: Hokusai
Chinese and Tartar Boys Quarreling over a Game of Go, Japan, c. 1790

Sato Shirobei Tadanobu (Sato Shirobei Tadanobu), Japan, c. 1776-80

Snuff Bottle with a Boy, Gentleman, Buffalo, and Two... Qing dynasty, Daoguang reign
Snuff Bottle with a Boy, Gentleman, Buffalo, and Two Figures Playing Weiqi, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Daoguang reign mark and period (1820-1850)

Snow-Viewing Entertainment, c. 1771. Creator: Utagawa Toyoharu
Snow-Viewing Entertainment, c. 1771

Yo, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)", 1898. Creator: Kogyo Tsukioka
Yo, from the series "Pictures of No Performances (Nogaku Zue)", 1898

A Merry Evening Party, ca. 1805. Creator: Kitagawa Utamaro
A Merry Evening Party, ca. 1805

Outfit for the Go Game, 19th century. Creator: Kubo Shunman
Outfit for the Go Game, 19th century

Emperor Minghuang and Consort Yang Playing Weiqi, Ming or Qing dynasty, (17th century?). Formerly attributed to Qian Xuan

A game of strategy in China, late 18th century (w / c on paper)
CHT307400 A game of strategy in China, late 18th century (w/c on paper) by Chinese School (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Men playing Go, artwork
Two Chinese men playing Go. Image from circa 1870-1890

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"Weiqi: The Ancient Chinese Game of Strategy" Weiqi, also known as Go, is a captivating game that has been played in China for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, and it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world today. The artwork depicting Weiqi throughout history provides us with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage surrounding this game. From the delicate gouache painting of Chinese players engaged in intense concentration during the late 19th century to the intricate stamp showcasing two individuals engrossed in their strategic moves, these images capture the essence of Weiqi. In Ming dynasty's 15th-century landscape painting, Daoist Immortals are seen indulging in a friendly match amidst serene surroundings. This portrayal not only highlights the intellectual aspect of the game but also its harmonious connection with nature. Even beyond China's borders, Weiqi found its way into Japanese art and culture. Hokusai's masterpiece from Japan's Edo period depicts Chinese and Tartar boys quarreling over a game of Go. The intensity on their faces reflects how deeply rooted this game was within society at that time. Snuff bottles adorned with scenes related to Weiqi demonstrate how deeply ingrained this pastime was even among Qing dynasty elites. These intricately designed bottles showcase various elements such as boys playing alongside gentlemen or even buffalos engaging in strategic battles - all paying homage to this beloved game. Utagawa Toyoharu's snow-viewing entertainment piece transports us to a winter scene where friends gather around a heated board for an exciting session of Weiqi. The artist beautifully captures both social interaction and mental stimulation brought about by this timeless pursuit. Kogyo Tsukioka's series "Pictures of No Performances" takes us further into late 19th-century Japan, where Yo (a type of Noh theater performance) is depicted.