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White bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924019 White bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Meulen, Adam Frans Van der (1632-90) (and studio); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: White bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa.
Carved ivory, made by an Indian artist, probably in Berhampur, from a chess set representing the Bengal Army and an Indian rulers forces, 1820 circa.
This chess piece takes the form of an Asian rhinoceros shaped with one horn.
Known as A John CompanyA sets, finely-crafted chess sets of East India Company soldiers and Indian troops were popular with the British. Most pieces are carved from single sections of ivory.
This set was probably made in Berhampur, which was established as a centre of ivory carving during the 1700s. It was ideally situated for the European market because travellers and traders passed through on their way to and from Calcutta (Kolkata) and central and southern India. It was also a garrison town, so would have had a regularly-changing population of British officers. Exquisite chess sets like this continued to be made into the twentieth century.); eNational Army Museum; Dutch, out of copyright
Media ID 23264686
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a stunning white bishop chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Crafted out of ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this intricate chess set represents the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. The chess piece itself takes the form of an Asian rhinoceros with a single horn. Referred to as "A John Company" sets, these finely-crafted chess sets depicting East India Company soldiers and Indian troops were highly sought after by the British. Each piece was meticulously carved from a single section of ivory, exemplifying the exquisite craftsmanship of its time. Berhampur served as a prominent center for ivory carving during the 18th century. Its strategic location along trade routes between Calcutta (Kolkata) and central and southern India made it ideal for catering to European markets. Additionally, being a garrison town meant that it had a constant influx of British officers who would appreciate such remarkable works of art. Interestingly, these exceptional chess sets continued to be created well into the 20th century. This particular photograph is housed at the National Army Museum in London and provides us with a glimpse into both historical events and artistic traditions that have shaped our world today.
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