Yizhi Tu [Enhanced Intelligence Diagrams]

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Yizhi Tu [Enhanced Intelligence Diagrams]

Tong, Xiegeng [created by].

[China]: Hulin Ren shi, Qing Guangxu 4 nian [1878].

A scarce first edition of this two-volume Chinese collection of yizhi tu puzzles devised by Tong Xiegeng. While the typical tangram puzzle uses seven pieces, Tong Xiegeng's puzzle uses fifteen pieces, several of which are curved, resulting in a much more versatile version of the tangram. According to the Classical Chinese Puzzle Project, "Almost fifty years after the publication of the first known tangram book, Tong Xiegeng (1828–1899), a scholar-official from Hangzhou, invented a new dissection of the square into fifteen pieces. He called his new puzzle 'enhancing intelligence diagrams' (yizhi tu 益智图), and he devoted the rest of his life to creating elegant constructions with them".¹ The illustrations depict animals, people, objects, and scenes from literature constructed from the fifteen pieces. A Harvard library record suggests that a single-volume 'sequel' to this work was published in the same year (1878). Tong published other yizhi tu puzzle collections in 1885 and 1892. First editions of his first work are scarce.

Two four-hole-bound (yotsumetoji) volume, complete, on double leaves, traditional East Asian binding style (fukurotoji). Wear, marks, light stains, and chips to original wrappers. Daisen title slips loosely inserted, with losses and ex-ownership stamps. Occasional creases and marks internally. Large but light stains to the last few leaves of both volumes. Small continuous wormholes. [1], 3, 3, 2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 1 3, 50, 1; 2, 50, 1, 8, 1 leaves. 28.7 x 13.2 cm. Text in Chinese.

1. Peter Rasmussen, "Fifteen-Piece Tangram Puzzle", ChinesePuzzles.org (Classical Chinese Puzzle Project), accessed 13 July 2026. https://chinesepuzzles.org/fifteen-piece-tangram-puzzle/

Yizhi Tu [Enhanced Intelligence Diagrams]
Price: $2,800.00 (USD)