Mother of pearl counters, chips, or tokens were first imported to Europe around the same time China began trading silk, porcelain and tea with the East India Company. These chips were hand carved in China, and probably used at card tables in Victorian or Edwardian England. Eventually demand went down, and, they stopped importing them around 1840.

These antique, hand carved tokens are roughly rectangular and about 5 cm, or 2 inches long. They are carved on both sides. There is a delicate crosshatched border, and a leafy motif in the center. I have highlighted the carving with a scrimshaw technique using India ink.

They have a bit of iridescence, and they are slightly translucent in places. They are light and surprisingly sturdy, but they should be treated with care to avoid cracks or chips. They are simply hung from my hand made sterling silver ear wires.