Vietnamese Chess Set, Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Folding Lacquer Board & 32 Carved Pieces, Marked Hanoi 1964, 32 cm
Rare Vintage 1964 Hanoi Vietnam Hand-Crafted Chess Set – Mother of Pearl Inlay & Hand-Carved Pieces
Description:
Discover a breathtaking piece of history and Asian craftsmanship with this authentic, vintage Vietnamese chess set, dated explicitly "HANOI 1964" and "VIET NAM" on its inlaid plaques. This is not just a game; it is a stunning work of mid-century folk art.
The Chessboard (Lacquerware & Mother of Pearl):
The folding wooden board features a gorgeous, deep black lacquer finish. Each light square is a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese artistry, meticulous handcrafted from iridescent mother of pearl. Every single light square is uniquely hand-engraved with fine black ink lines, depicting tranquil Vietnamese cultural landscapes, including traditional huts, pagodas, sailing sampan boats, water buffaloes, palm trees, and local fishermen.
The Chessmen (Hand-Carved Authentic Material):
The set comes 100% complete with all 32 original pieces, beautifully hand-carved in a distinct, stylized Southeast Asian design.
• The dark pieces are carved from rich, polished black horn/wood.
• The light pieces boast an exquisite, translucent amber-honey hue, beautifully showcasing natural grain and variations from hand-carving.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition with a beautiful, natural patina. The brass clasps are fully functional, and the board folds neatly into a storage case for the pieces. Please review the high-resolution photos to appreciate the fine details and craftsmanship.
Dimensions & Specifications:
• Board Open: 32 x 32 x 2.5 cm (12.6" x 12.6" x 1")
• Board Closed (Case): 32 x 16 x 5 cm (12.6" x 6.3" x 2")
• Chessmen Height: Ranging between 25 mm and 55 mm (approx. 1" to 2.2")
• Origin: Hanoi, Vietnam (Dated 1964)
IMPORTANT COLLECTOR'S NOTE:
Unlike the majority of vintage chess sets found online, which are completely unmarked and impossible to verify, this specific piece features 100% authentic, original inlaid plaques explicitly documenting its exact historical provenance and origin: "HANOI 1964, VIET NAM". You are buying a certified, traceable piece of mid-century history, not a generic, unidentifiable souvenir.
Perfect as a centerpiece for a study, a premium addition to a chess collection, or a highly unique gift for history buffs and chess players.