17TH/18TH CENTURY

Details

**A RARE IVORY-INLAID HUANGHUALI 'DOUBLE SIXES' GAMES TRAY
17TH/18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular shape with rounded corners, the interior inlaid with ivory in the schematic design of the game, raised on shallow feet
19 in. (48.2 cm.) long, 12½ in. (31.7 cm.) wide, 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm.) deep

Provenance

Nicholas Grindley, London.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

'Double sixes', or Shuang Lu, is a game related to modern backgammon and can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties through to the early nineteenth century. Popular among various classes of society, the 'double sixes' board was an integral part of games tables from the Ming period onward. An example with a carved exterior and brass fittings is illustrated in Asian Games: The Art of Contest, Asia Society, New York, 2004, p. 98, no. 8:4. For further discussion on the game of 'double sixes', see ibid., pp. 100-2.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All