Chess set

Up for auction is a stunning and highly detailed vintage Chinese figural chess set, complete with its original folding wooden storage and display case. This set beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with functionality.
​The Chess Board:
The chessboard is set within a solid wooden frame, which is richly adorned with intricate carvings of traditional Chinese dragons along the edges, visible in detail in images image_4.png and image_5.png. The playing surface itself is composed of square ceramic tiles. Each individual light-colored square features a unique, delicate hand-painted scene, including depictions of sages, landscapes, birds, and fish, as seen in image_5.png. The dark squares are a solid, contrasting black. The board is hinged in the center, allowing it to fold for storage, and is secured with decorative brass latches, shown in image_4.png.
​The Chess Pieces:
The set includes a full complement of 32 chess pieces, meticulously carved from resin. They are presented in two distinct colors: a deep, rich cherry-red and a classic cream/off-white. Each piece depicts a traditional Chinese character, deity, or figure, rather than standard Western chess iconography.
​Red Pieces: The red set (image_3.png, image_7.png, image_9.png) is housed in a tray lined with vibrant red felt. Each piece sits in its own molded compartment, and many are secured with a small white ribbon for protection (image_7.png). The carvings show significant detail, including figures on horseback and architectural elements.
​Cream Pieces: The cream set (image_2.png, image_6.png, image_8.png) rests in a matching red felt-lined tray. The pieces feature an array of finely carved figures, with the King and Queen pieces being notably larger and more ornate, as highlighted in image_6.png. The resin material has a smooth, polished finish.