Manual of Weiqi Strategies Carefully Edited by the Gentleman Zuoyin, 2 juan

Ming dynasty (1368�1644), Wanli period (1573�1619)

Compiled by Wang Tingna (ca. 1569�after 1628); proofread and edited by Zhan Guoli; illustrated by Wang Geng (1573�1620); engraved by Huang Yingzu (1563/1573�1644)

Xin�an, Anhui Province: Wang shi Huancui tang, 1609

Number of columns and characters per column per half folio irregular; white folding margin at center of folio; single-line borders; overall dimensions of volumes: 27.9�28.0 x 29.9 cm; block sizes of texts and illustrations: approx. 24.1�25.5 x 27.5�28.3 cm; wrapped-back binding

Inventory number: 16827

The ancient Chinese game of weiqi, also known as yi, was considered one of the four gentlemanly and scholarly accomplishments.� Many manuals were written by and for weiqi enthusiasts from the Tang dynasty (619-906) onward.

A fine example of a weiqi manual from the late Ming period, this book was compiled by Wang Tingna, a major printer and publisher, many of whose books were illustrated with exquisite Huizhou-style woodcuts.� One of the notable features of this work is the nearly square format of the volumes, undoubtedly inspired and necessitated by the shape of the weiqi boards that form the bulk of its contents.� However, it is most celebrated for its extraordinary six-paneled illustrated tableau, which appears in the first volume following numerous prefaces and introductions.