Mother of Pearl Gaming Counters

A complete collection of extremely fine and rare early 19th century Chinese gaming counters.

Encased in the original glass top box, this extraordinary collection contains 130 mother of pearl chips, each meticulously incised in the sgraffito style on both obverse and reverse faces. Given the diminutive scale of each chip, the round pieces roughly the diameter of a quarter dollar, and about half as thin, it is nearly impossible to decrypt the nanoscale iconography using only the naked eye. Under magnification however, each of these miniature treasures yields far more information than most 20th century painters can fit on to a life-sized canvas. The aptitude, skill, finesse, precision and patience that must be required to reach such a level of proficiency is difficult to imagine, especially in this very fast moving 21st century world. This capable carver however, was a graduate of all aforementioned skill sets, and clearly a master of his trade.  

Less interesting 19th century gaming sets have realized higher prices than the one offered here. Please follow the link below for reference. 

Gaming Chips: Christie'

Dimensions: Box measures 6 inches long x 5.25 inches wide x 1 inch high. 

Condition: in excellent, original condition. Wear to box commensurate with age and use. 

questions? Contact us at 415-578-8814 or info@colonialarts.com