Chinese Soapstone Carvings of Chess Players and a Chessboard. Comprising two seated scholar figures, both wearing long robes incised with scrolling clouds, the hair gathered into a high chignon, the left figure seated with right knee raise and right hand in a holding position, the right figure seated on a carved base simulating rockwork; and a rectangular footed chess board, all with a four-character maker's mark engraved on the undersides. {Height of figures approx. 4 1/2 inches (11.4 cm)}. Condition: Overall wear, chips, and surface scratches; losses to chessboard.