Canton Export Chess Counter Set, circa 1810

A Chinese Export Cantonese Ivory Chess Counter Set, circa 1810

one side stained red, the other side left natural, with filigree decoration, one side for chess, the other side for backgammon or chequers, the chess side engraved: kings as emperors, queens as consorts, bishops as mandarins, knights as horses’ heads, rooks as elephant heads, pawns as armed footsoldiers, the red side with muskets, the white side with swords, the reverse wide decorated with lotus leaf pattterns (32) 

Diameter: 3.3cm

Reference: Carl L. Crossman, The Decorative Arts of The China Trade, Antique Collectors’ Club, 1991, pp. 294-5

Stock Reference: HM 1738

Important Notice on the export of antique elephant ivory (CITES)

Please note that as the chess counters contains antique elephant ivory it will require a CITES export licence to export to destinations outside the European Union. Due to recent US legislation, it is with regret that we are unable to export this item to the United States of America. Please contact me if you need further information.