MACAO, MID-19TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE-EXPORT CARVED IVORY BUST TYPE CHESS SET
MACAO, MID-19TH CENTURY
One side stained green, the opposing natural, the kings and queens depicting the European monarchs versus the Chinese, the rooks as turrets carved with pagados, all on foliate carved baluster stems and lotus leaf bases
The king -- 4 in. (10 cm.); the pawn -- 2.5/8 in. (6.2 cm.) high

Literature

G. Williams, Master Pieces, Apple Press, 2000, pp. 120-121.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

This type of intricately carved bust chess set is traditionally attributed to the workshops of the Portuguese trading island of Macao, in the Canton River. One distinctive feature of the Macao sets is the representation of the European monarchy versus the Chinese. Most of these sets have the Chinese side dyed red, but occassionally as in the present lot, green dye is used.

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