Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian: Inlay Work (1)

A mid to early 20th century Vietnamese chess set. Vietnam was known for accomplished mother of pearl inlay work as found in the accomplished inlay work on this black lacquer board folding to form a case. Every other square is mother of pearl with fine inlaid decoration of the same material and with incised details. The complete set of 32 French Regence style pieces of turned and carved light and dark colored horn. The French influence follows from that country's half century of occupation of the region from the "Open Door Policy" era through the mid 20th century - becoming an integral part of Vietnamese culture even until today with adopted vocabularly, culture and cuisine. Comparison with more recent exports from Vietnam will bear out the differences in quality from this era - particularly in the inlay work. Good condition with only minor wear from use and one minute point of loss to the black lacquer (easily filled with a black enamel such as nail polish.) The board, opened, is about 15 inches square. The Kings are about 2 3/4 inches high. The board cleaned up a bit after we photographed it. As we often do in auction format, we are starting this well below our fair market retail asking price and without reserve.