Tres rare jeu d'échecs type barleycorn en os de chameau King 135 mm entierement sculpté - Chess set - barleycorn - camel bones

Superb antique Barleycorn-style chess set – Sculpted red and white pieces

Magnificent “Barleycorn” chess set with outstanding decorative appeal, comprising red and white pieces with substantial forms and finely crafted ornamentation.

This set immediately captivates with its refined aesthetic, elegance, and wealth of detail. The pieces display remarkable carving and lathe work, with a succession of moldings, gadrooning, twists, fluting, and geometric motifs that give them a particularly striking presence.

The knights, finely depicted with expressive silhouettes, bring great character to the set. The rooks, topped with their little flags, together with the majestic kings and queens, are true standout features.

The two sides showcase a superb contrast between deep red and white, enhancing the composition’s contrast and beauty.

The set includes the characteristic pieces:

- Richly ornamented kings and queens.
- Bishops with carved flame- or leaf-shaped finials.
- Finely crafted knights.
- Rooks decorated with flags.
- Pawns with elegant, distinctive silhouettes.

The pawns deserve particular attention: their rounded shapes and finely worked circular bases attest to the set’s aesthetic harmony.

The photograph with the ruler gives an idea of the proportions of one of the larger pieces, which measures approximately 135 mm in length.

More than just a chess set, this ensemble is a true decorative and collectible object. Its Barleycorn style, color contrast, and profusion of ornament make it a piece that will naturally find a place in a decorative arts collection, a cabinet of curiosities, or on a beautiful chess table.

**A distinctive, richly decorated chess set that will appeal to lovers of beautiful antiques and collectors of fine chess sets.**

dating from the early 20th century
please note a very small chip on one of the white queens