19th Century Chinese Export Carved Bone Chess Set, Complete in Original Box climber and form of the face

and form of the face

pulled taut by sinew

It feels rather like a modernist's take on the kitschy charm necklace/bracelet

)--but I really like it

with many many tumbles left in it

19th Century Chinese Export Carved Bone Chess Set, Complete in Original Box climber and form of the faceIn my dreams, I am a master chess player, but, alas, I don't have a strategic bone in my body! This set of of chess pieces might inspire me to practice, though c. 1850s I believe carved of bone, complete and housed in their original dovetailed box, and with a Chinese mark on the bottom of the box telling us these were made in China for export to the Western market, and then someone beautifully carved burned "CHESS" next to it. Based on some research,