a-large-canton-export-chess-set-circa-1820
January 15, 2014
A magnificent and scarce early 19th century Cantonese puzzle-ball set of excellent quality, large size and height. Original red stain. The base of the spear and the blade of one the red pawns have been re-stuck back on. One of the arrows on the back of a white knight has been re-stuck back on. Minor crack to one white pawn puzzle-ball. Red swords on red knights probably replacements. I've also noticed that one of the mahouts on the elephant rooks holds a tiny stick, the other three mahouts are missing theirs. The eight red flags on the backs of the red king and queen slot into holes, and there are traces of glue around these. Otherwise, condition excellent and near-immaculate.