KONG POH


Figure 15-A

Another specimen in the Sultan's collection, called at Johore, kong poh (Chinese t'ung pò), "current treasure," furnishes an explanation of the name .

Figure 15-B

It consists of a wooden die (Figure 15-A), with a face 11 inches square, and three-fourths inch thick, which fits into a brass box with a broad base (Figure 15-B ).

A wooden cover (Figure 15-C) fits over the box. This die is not spun, but is concealed in a bag which accompanies it, and there adjusted by the gamekeeper.

Figure 15-C

The face of the wooden die is carved with the characters t'ung pò (Figure 15-A), on one side in the ordinary, and on the reverse in seal characters, the character t'ung being painted red, and white.

Figure 15-D

The inscription t'ung pò, "current treasure," occurs on the face of all modern Chinese coins (Figure 15-D), and the common name of the game is evidently derived from the character , which occurs on this block.




Last update January 31, 2010