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Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924041 Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Indian School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Black rook, 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 Indian soldier holding a staff in both hands upon a laddered platform; the soldier wears a short coat and a hat with a knop and tassel.
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 23264698
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a black rook chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Carved out of ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite chess set represents the Bengal Army and Indian rulers' forces during that era. The attention to detail is remarkable as the chess piece takes the form of an Indian soldier standing on a laddered platform, holding a staff with both hands. The soldier is adorned in a short coat and wears a hat with a knop and tassel. These finely-crafted chess sets, known as "A John Company" sets, were highly sought after by the British. Made from single sections of ivory, they depicted East India Company soldiers alongside Indian troops. Berhampur was renowned for its ivory carving industry during the 1700s and served as an ideal hub for European travelers and traders passing through Calcutta (Kolkata) en route to central and southern India. The town's garrison status ensured a constant influx of British officers who would have appreciated such intricate works of art like this particular chess set. It is worth noting that these exceptional chess sets continued to be crafted well into the twentieth century. Preserved at London's National Army Museum, this photograph allows us to marvel at the craftsmanship behind this historical artifact while offering insight into the cultural exchange between India and Britain during colonial times.
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