How to make yongzi永子 by 白行简bai xingjian
Weiqi 围棋 is one of the oldest board games in the world, originating in China over 2,500 years ago.
The game is played by two players who take turns placing black and white stones on a grid, usually 19x19 lines. The goal is to surround more territory than your opponent and capture their stones by completely enclosing them.
Despite its simple rules, Weiqi is known for its deep strategy and infinite possibilities. It’s not just a game—it’s also seen as an art form, a way to develop patience, discipline, and creative thinking.
Yongzi is a type of weiqi piece uniquely crafted from natural minerals such as agate and amber found in Baoshan, Yunnan. It is handmade through traditional methods and regarded as a treasure among Chinese weiqi equipment, often praised as the "ultimate treasure in the world of weiqi".
Made primarily from local stones like Nanhong agate, Huanglong jade, and black jade, supplemented with metals such as lead and tin. The pieces are formed by high-temperature melting and hand-dripping techniques. Following the ancient Ming Dynasty method of "fetching chestnuts from the fire", the process requires precise control of temperature. The finished pieces have a warm luster, a hard texture, and produce a clear, pleasant sound when placed on the board. White pieces exhibit a milky white hue with a subtle pearlescent glow, while black pieces are deep and glossy, edged with a bluish halo. They feel solid, smooth, and are highly resistant to wear. Originating in Ming Dynasty Baoshan (formerly known as Yongchang), the pieces are named "Yongzi" after their place of origin. Once offered as tributes to the imperial family, Yongzi gained fame during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
Compared to common Weiqi pieces made of resin or glass, Yongzi combines practicality with collectible value. It represents the fusion of Weiqi culture and traditional craftsmanship, often used in high-end tournaments or as collectible art.
