Lot 71
71
A Cantonese carved ivory chess set, second half 19th century
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A Cantonese carved ivory chess set, second half 19th century

Details
A Cantonese carved ivory chess set, second half 19th century
The royals carved with figurative busts in the pierced portals of the crowns; the king -- 5in. (12.2cm.) high; the pawn, stained knight chipped -- 2 5/8in. (6.5cm.) high (32)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

This design is somewhat of a hybrid, closely related to examples made in Vizigapatam for the European market in the 19th century but also to Chinese export examples, both based on the same English 18th century model. The Chinese pawns are typically carved with heads. On this set, the carved busts perched in the crown's of the royal pieces bear Oriental features and the manner of the stylised foliage would suggest that this set is Chinese.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Gareth Williams, Master Pieces, Published by Apple Press, 2000.

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