This
remarkably complex and sumptuously detailed 32 pieces complete chess set is a
rare authentic late 19th century Chinese carving. Each piece fashioned from high
quality elephant ivory and well marked with striations and cross hatching grains.
The game features white and black players as natural and tea stained ivory pieces,
with only a subtle difference between the two groups. The queens and kings are
warriors attired in impressive Han costumes, insignia and regalia, each queen
holding the sword, and the kings bearing Dragon halberds. The bishops are generals,
the knights are carved as horsemen wearing characteristic armors. The pawns are
conceived as the Eight Immortals with all their attributes. The set is exceptionally
well carved, and appears to be from a single hand, all figures in harmony and
consistent in execution, with an appealing lightness in the expressions and a
high-handed finish, no doubt from extensive handling. All chess piece observed
to be in very good condition; with exception to the shrinkage break at the dark
horse hoof, and minor hairline on the face of the white bishop as shown in photos
row 4 and 5. Despite its age, the set is considerably in very good condition.
Estimated
value: $3000
Due to CITES regulations. Ivory ships only to U.S. address
