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Black bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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Black bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924021 Black bishop, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Zancon, Gaetano (1771-1816); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Black 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 a water buffalo, lowering his head and pawing the ground with his hoof.
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; Italian, out of copyright
Media ID 23264688
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a black bishop chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Crafted from ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite chess set represents the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. The attention to detail is remarkable, as seen in the intricate carving of the water buffalo-shaped bishop. With its head lowered and hoof pawing at the ground, it exudes a sense of power and strength. These finely-crafted chess sets, known as "A John Company" sets, were highly sought after by British soldiers and officers stationed in India during that time. Made from single sections of ivory, they were prized for their craftsmanship and beauty. Berhampur was renowned for its ivory carving industry during the 18th century and served as an ideal hub for European traders passing through on their way to Calcutta (Kolkata) or other parts of central and southern India. The historical significance of this particular chess set lies not only in its artistic value but also in its representation of colonial-era interactions between British troops and local Indian rulers' forces. This stunning piece serves as a testament to the cultural exchange that occurred during this period. Even into the twentieth century, these exquisite chess sets continued to be made with great skill and precision. Preserved by the National Army Museum in London, this photograph allows us to appreciate both the artistry behind such creations and their place within history.
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