Length 2 in., Height .5 in. each. This group of three Chinese export mother of pearl gaming counters are each carved in the form of a fish with detailed scale pattern, fin and tail articulation and a small circular eye, the iridescent nacreous surface displaying the characteristic pink, white and blue-green play of light that is the hallmark of fine quality mother of pearl shell. Fish-form mother of pearl gaming counters were produced by skilled Chinese carvers during the Qing dynasty -- particularly between 1730 and the mid-19th century -- primarily for export to the European market, where they served as gambling chips or tokens in fashionable card games including Pope Joan, Loo, Ombre and Quadrille played in the drawing rooms of wealthy European families. The fish is a particularly auspicious symbol in Chinese culture representing abundance and good fortune, making it a natural subject for gaming counters associated with luck and wagering. The three counters vary slightly in size suggesting they may represent different denominations within a larger gaming set, as complete sets typically comprised counters of several forms and sizes. Condition is very good overall with the carving crisp and well defined and the iridescent surface undimmed, minor edge wear consistent with period use.