Abstract: Depending on literature, expert interviews, logical reasoning and archaeological speculations, this paper analyzes the culture of "the image-number of the Yi learning" reflected in Chinese chess, the purpose of which is to make it clear that the origin of the so-called "elephant" in chess is not the "elephant" previously believed by some scholars as its origin in India because India is abundant with elephants. The author finds that the "elephant" in chess should be the "image" in "image-numerology of the Yi learning", which is the highly condensed understanding and grasp of ancient Chinese people about the universe, the natural law and humanity. It enables chess to be equipped with the divining function, social function and ethic function of the Yi learning.

Key words: Chess, image- number, the Yi learning