CANTON, MID-19TH CENTURY

Details

A CHINESE-EXPORT CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET
CANTON, MID-19TH CENTURY
The white king modelled as George III opposing an Emperor, mounted on carved lotus baluster pedestal bases
The king -- 4¼ in. (11 cm.) high; the pawn -- 2¼ in. (6 cm.) high

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. 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. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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Lot Essay

Trade relations between China and England at the turn of the 19th Century were relatively calm but entered more turbulent times during the 1840-2 and 1860 Opium wars. This lead to China being more exposed to western traders and goods becoming more accessible for Westerners, chess sets were among those desired works of art. Most typically sets depicted Chinese Emperors in armour and sometimes Napoleon or other European Monarchs, such as George III. Roger Keverne, Ivory, A History and Collectors Guide, Thames and Hudson, 1987 page 260.

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