Another form of export sets show the reliefs of figures and chess symbols that are beautifully carved and pieced counters. They seem to replace the inscriptions of authentic Chinese pieces and could be a reminiscence of them. This comparison stresses the important difference between the world of the ‘writing artist’ for Chinese chess and the ‘carving artist’ for sets designed for export activity. « To read » and « to understand forms and colours » represent two forms of cultural knowledge.