Game piece - mother of pearl

Title:

Set of 20 round Chinese mother-of-pearl carved gaming tokens – Qing Dynasty, 19th century

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Description

Very beautiful lot of 20 antique Chinese gaming tokens, made of mother-of-pearl, round in shape, finely pierced and hand-engraved.

Each token features a traditional Chinese scene depicting characters, buildings, or gardens typical of the Qing era. The outlines are finely crenellated and decorated with openwork, symmetrical motifs.
These tokens were used for board games and symbolic exchanges, notably in European aristocratic circles, where they were imported as luxury objects.

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Details:
• Origin: China (Canton), for export to Europe
• Dynasty : Qing
• Period: Late 18th – early 19th century
• Material: natural mother-of-pearl (mother-of-pearl)
• Average dimensions: approx. 3 cm in diameter
Number of pieces: 20
• Condition: Very good overall condition, light wear consistent with age (see close-up photos)

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Note:

A rare lot in this round format, very decorative. Ideal for collecting or displaying in a cabinet of curiosities. These tokens are highly sought after in Asian art and antique games sales.