Make your move... Chess sets from four continents auction next month

Cultures from Africa, Asia and America brought to the game of chess are auctioning in London

A selection of intricate and varied Chess sets from around the world will be offered by Bonhams in the Chess, Games and Cards sale taking place on January 17 in London.

From Europe a very rare, 300-year-old south German, ivory and ebony figural chess set is estimated to sell for £15,000 - £20,000. Made circa 1700, the King and Queen are dressed in 17th -18th century interpretations of mediaeval dress and the pawns are dressed in baggy breeches and flared bottomed coats.

Meanwhile, a French ivory 'bust' chess set, circa 1780, based on images of the Europeans and Moors is estimated to sell for £7,000-9,000.

An ivory and ebony figural chess set South German, circa 1700 white

East versus West can be seen in one of the highlights of the sale from Asia: a Cantonese chess set made in 1820. King George III and Queen Charlotte are represented in the white figures, with bishops as clergy and knights as horsemen, whilst the Chinese Emperor and Empress, with bishops as mandarins and rooks as elephants with flags are represented as the red figures.

All the pieces have been mounted with decorative glass 'gems' and the set is estimated at £3,000 - 5,000.

Collectors will make their move at Bonhams' Knightsbridge headquarters in London. Watch this space for more news on the sale.

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A huge range of rare and collectible toys will be on offer at the 'Toys for the Mantle' sale

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Bonhams