Description: Exquisitely carved antique Chinese gambling counter (token, chip) encased in 14k solid yellow gold. This reversible pendant has beautifully etched key-fret border. One side depicts three scenes of Chinese life, the other has two scenes of Chinese life with English family crest in the center. Not only jewelry but a piece of history. Excellent condition. Gold is not stamped as this was not done on these at the time. This one dates from 1780-1840 and it comes from my uncle’s estate. I have several for sale so please check out my other auctions. Ty! A bit if history on these - the mother of Pearl counters were hand-etched during the “Ching” dynasty, the last dynasty of imperial China. The counters were made for the East India Trading Company and other European merchants who had settled in China with their families. Very fashionable at the time many of the Mother of Pearl pieces were custom made at the request of British royalty and nobility, bearing family crests and initials on one side. The other side usually depicted aspects of Chinese life - people engaged into everyday activities, which offered great insight into early Chinese culture and history. Many of the depictions carry symbolic meaning of family values and ethereal life. The period of 1730-1820 is also considered a peak for Chinese craftsmanship. Many of those beautiful artworks ended up in England when the English were ousted from China in the middle of 19th century.
Price: 355 USD
Location: Indian Trail, North Carolina
End Time: 2025-01-18T22:16:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Color: Beige
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Region of Origin: China
Age: 1800-1849
