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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924038 White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Scherrer, Jean-Jacques (1855-1916); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: White 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 European soldier holding a staff in both hands upon a laddered platform on top of a crenellated tower. The soldier wears a short coat, double breasted with wings and a stylised tricorne hat.
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 22762682
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a white rook 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 Indian rulers' forces of that era. The attention to detail is remarkable as the chess piece takes the form of a European soldier standing atop a crenellated tower, holding a staff with both hands. Dressed in a short double-breasted coat adorned with wings and sporting a stylized tricorne hat, this intricately carved figure reflects the fusion of European and Indian influences. Known as "A John Company" sets, these finely-crafted chess sets depicting East India Company soldiers and Indian troops were highly sought after by British enthusiasts. Carved from single sections of ivory, they showcased the skill and craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Berhampur's prominence as an ivory carving center during the 1700s made it an ideal location for producing such masterpieces. Situated along major trade routes between Calcutta (Kolkata) and central/southern India, it attracted travelers passing through on their way to Europe or other parts of Asia. This particular set is believed to have been created for British officers stationed in Berhampur due to its garrison town status. The popularity of these exquisite chess sets continued well into the twentieth century. Displayed at London's National Army Museum, this photograph captures not only the beauty but also the historical significance behind this stunning work of art.
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