Quantity of Mid C19th Chinese Export Carved 'Mother of Pearl' Gambling Chips or Gaming Counters

Quantity of mid C19th Chinese export carved 'mother of pearl' gambling chips or gaming counters. Produced in China for export to Europe ,these finely carved counters were made to order in various shapes and forms , often embellished with the Coat of Arms or heraldic device of the client.The fish-shaped counters all carved with scales and fin details , miniature works-of-art in their own right .Some here have the device of a baronet in a circle , comprising a brace of birds above a Baronets bar. Others are carved with a pagoda centre and shaped edges.

Great quality and wonderful iriridescence to the 'nacre' shell.

The skill in production and man-hours involved pro-rata far outweighs the cost shown here.

Comprising:

64 'flat' fish

5 fish

8 circular

32 ovoid

8 rectangular

1 oval

118 in total

China c. 1850

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.