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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924039 White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Indian School, (19th century); 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; Indian, out of copyright
Media ID 22323592
© 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. Carved meticulously out of ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this chess set represents the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. The piece itself takes the form of a European soldier standing atop a crenellated tower, holding a staff with both hands. Adorned in a short coat with double-breasted wings and a stylized tricorne hat, this intricately crafted figure is part of what is known as "A John Company" sets. During the 19th century, finely-crafted chess sets depicting East India Company soldiers and Indian troops gained popularity among British enthusiasts. Many pieces were carved from single sections of ivory like this one. Berhampur emerged as a prominent center for ivory carving during the 1700s due to its strategic location along trade routes between Calcutta (Kolkata) and central/southern India. Not only was Berhampur frequented by travelers and traders passing through, but it also served as a garrison town housing British officers who regularly rotated in and out. This exquisite chess set exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship that continued well into the twentieth century. Displayed at London's National Army Museum, this photograph captures not just an extraordinary work of art but also offers insight into historical connections between Britain and India during colonial times.
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