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Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924043 Black rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Dubois, Francois (1790-1871); 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; French, out of copyright
Media ID 23573300
© 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. 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 black rook takes the form of an Indian soldier standing on a laddered platform, holding a staff with both hands. Adorned in a short coat and wearing a hat embellished with a knop and tassel, this intricately carved piece is truly remarkable. Known as "A John Company" sets, these finely-crafted chess sets depicting East India Company soldiers and Indian troops were highly sought after by the British during this time period. Each piece was meticulously carved from single sections of ivory. Berhampur, where this particular set was likely made, became renowned for its ivory carving industry in the 1700s. Situated along major trade routes between Calcutta (Kolkata) and central and southern India, it attracted European travelers and traders who appreciated such artistic creations. With its rich history intertwined with colonialism and cultural exchange between India and Britain, this black rook chess piece serves as a tangible reminder of the past. Its intricate craftsmanship continues to captivate viewers even today as it stands as evidence of the enduring popularity of finely crafted chess sets like these throughout centuries gone by.
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