Physical Details

Original hand-carved mother-of-pearl gaming counter.

Made in Canton (Guangzhou), China, circa 1810.

Engraved on both sides with armorial achievement and harlequin pattern.

Rare double-drilled border.

Approximate size: 6.2 × 2.3 cm. With certificate of authenticity.

Description

An original Chinese export mother-of-pearl gaming counter, finely hand-carved in Canton around 1810 for the Benwell family of Oxford, and displaying a beautifully engraved armorial achievement with impaled arms.

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, luxury gaming counters such as this were produced in the workshops, or hongs, of Canton exclusively for the European market. They were commissioned by wealthy British families for use in fashionable card games including Whist, Quadrille and Ombre, combining exquisite Chinese craftsmanship with personalised heraldry.

This attractive elongated example is distinguished by its rare double-drilled border, a decorative feature encountered far less frequently than the standard single-drilled design. Both sides have been meticulously engraved by hand, with the reverse displaying an elegant harlequin pattern that contrasts beautifully with the armorial face.

The arms comprise six pellets arranged three, two and one beneath a crest of a garb entwined by a serpent, with impaled arms indicating a marriage alliance. The combination has been identified as that of the Benwell family of Oxford, making the piece an appealing item of both heraldic and genealogical interest.

The counter has acquired a lovely mellow patina over more than two centuries, the iridescence of the mother-of-pearl enhancing the crispness and depth of the engraved decoration. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Condition

Fine condition. Beautiful natural patina. No obvious later damage. Small natural indentation to the surface of the mother-of-pearl, formed during its original growth rather than through subsequent wear. Please examine gallery images closely or request a more detailed condition report if required.

Notes

An elegant and increasingly desirable example of Chinese export armorial work, combining fine Cantonese carving, British heraldry and a notably uncommon double-drilled border.

Particularly attractive to collectors of Chinese export art, gaming counters, heraldry, Georgian antiques and Anglo-Chinese decorative arts.