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Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924095 Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Tessier, (18th- 19th Century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Black pawn, 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 a native spearman with a spear in his raised right hand; the spearman wears a turban and kirta.
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; French, out of copyright
Media ID 22568040
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a black pawn chess piece from India, dating back to 1820. Crafted from ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite piece is part of a larger chess set representing the Bengal Army and Indian rulers' forces. The chess piece takes the form of a native spearman, holding a spear in his raised right hand. Adorned with a turban and kirta, he embodies the rich cultural heritage of India during that era. These meticulously crafted sets, known as "A John Company" sets, were highly sought after by the British. Carved from single sections of ivory, this particular set was probably made in Berhampur—a bustling town renowned for its ivory carving industry since the 1700s. Situated along major trade routes to Calcutta (Kolkata) and central and southern India, it attracted European travelers and traders alike. Berhampur's status as a garrison town further contributed to its popularity among British officers who frequently passed through. The intricate craftsmanship displayed in this chess set continued well into the twentieth century. Preserved at the National Army Museum in London, this photograph captures not only the beauty but also serves as a testament to the historical significance of these finely-crafted pieces that bridged cultures through their shared love for strategy and intellect on the battlefield of chess.
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