The boxes, each set on four lobed feet, are in the form of go tables; the tops set with a grid pattern in gold flat makie, the sides decorated with pavilions in landscapes.
Go is a board game of strategy for two players that originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, before spreading to Korea and Japan, 8.3cm by 12.1cm by 11.1cm.
The 1835 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Japan Closet, Glass case opposite the window, Two small tables or stands Black & Gold one of the stands is repaired.’
The 1867 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Cabinets, No 88 Japan Closet, 2 black and gold japan small tables or boxes.’
