CHINESE, late 18th Century

31. Cantonese Export Chessmen. Ivory: white vs. red-tinted ivory. King 7-1/2" H. Wood case-board, lined and fitted for chessmen with blue and red velvet.

Each figure is mounted atop a pierced, concentric puzzleball rising from a circular base carved in the lotus design. Each figure is carved in five sections joined by carved, threaded pegs. White King in armor with breastplate and Queen in court dress are mounted upon puzzleballs containing three free-moving inner balls. Bishop, Knight, and Rook stand on balls containing two others, and the Pawns' mounts have one inner-ball. Bishop wears a mandarin's hat, Knight with sabre is mounted on a horse, and Rook is an elephant with flag. Pawns are smaller versions of Knight. Red King and Queen wear court dresses, and Bishop's robe is elaborately carved. Red King, Queen, and Bishops are not duplicates of their white counterparts.

Original collection of John G. White.