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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924083 White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Indian School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: White 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 Bengal sepoy standing at attention upon a circular plinth; the sepoy wears a shako with a plume, a double breasted coatee.
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; Indian, out of copyright
Media ID 22568032
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Crafted from ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite piece is part of a larger chess set that represents the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. The featured chess piece takes the form of a Bengal sepoy standing proudly at attention on a circular plinth. Adorned with a shako hat embellished with a plume and dressed in a double-breasted coatee, this intricately carved pawn reflects the artistry and attention to detail characteristic of A John CompanyA sets. During the 19th century, finely-crafted chess sets depicting East India Company soldiers and Indian troops gained popularity among British enthusiasts. Carved from single sections of ivory, these sets were highly sought after for their craftsmanship. Berhampur emerged as an important center for ivory carving during the 1700s due to its strategic location along trade routes connecting Calcutta (Kolkata) with central and southern India. The town also housed British officers stationed there temporarily, further fueling demand for such exquisite pieces. Even into the twentieth century, masterpieces like this continued to be created. This particular white pawn serves as both a testament to the rich history of chess and as an artistic representation of cultural exchange between India and Britain during colonial times.
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