Lot #91. Ivory Burmese Antique Chess Set, Type II
Ivory Burmese Antique Chess Set, Type II.
Antique Red/Natural Ivory Burmese Antique Chess Set, Type II. The King is 3-7/8” tall. The Type II Burmese Chessmen are characterized by a carved face on the Bishop’s headpiece. Type III Chessmen will have the face carved on the Kings and Queens as well. Type I Burmese chessmen will have faceless headpieces. The Type IV Burmese chessmen are often referred to as Macao, with fully carved heads atop all the chessmen. The chessmen here are in excellent condition with no repairs or replacements. The red stain is still strong and vibrant. These sets were made for the European Market and probably sold in Macao which was the only place in China where Europeans were allowed to visit prior to the Opium Wars of the 1840s. Circa 1840.
