Antique Chinese Chess Set
Han vs. Han
Complete Set with Eight Immortals
Hong Kong, Circa Early 1900S'
Condition: minor hairlines, o.a. very good

A complete set carved in Hong Kong around 1930‘s; each piece fashioned from high quality material and well marked with striations and cross hatching. The game features white and black players as natural and stained ivory pieces, with only a subtle difference between the two groups. The queens and kings are emperors and empresses, attired in impressive Han costumes, insignia and regalia, the queens’ hats adorned with phoenixes, each holding the joo-I, and the kings bearing ceremonial swords. The bishops are Han ministers, the knights are carved as Mulan, wearing her characteristic hat. The pawns are conceived as the Eight Immortals with all their attributes, each one seated on a rock. The set is very well carved, with engraving and sumi, and appears to be from a single hand, all figures in harmony and consistent in execution, with an appealing lightness in the expressions and a glossy finish, no doubt from extensive handling.

All chess piece observed no break or chip, and are in very good condition. Large original silk lined custom carrying case measures 22"x22" open, and is in fair condition.

Private Collection

CLICK HERE TO VIEW WHITE CHESS PIECE...