Hand-carved in Canton circa 1820, a large "ball on ball" ivory chess set, one side stained red, the other side natural; each figure is carved from a single piece of ivory on a puzzleball base with six concentric spheres, all carved, without joints; the figures suggest warring Chinese versus Mongols with kings and queens as Emperor and Empress, bishops as mandarins, knights as horsemen, rooks as elephants, and pawns as horsemen.

Kings 9 in.

Single Owner Collection

A few small age hairlines; the red stain somewhat faded; one red mandarin with loss to the front of his headdress; some scattered pinpoint chips throughout; overall good estate condition. This lot contains animal or plant material that may be restricted under federal, state, and/or local law. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions of Sale.