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Smoking the hookah over a game of chess, 1800 (aquatint)
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Smoking the hookah over a game of chess, 1800 (aquatint)
5919892 Smoking the hookah over a game of chess, 1800 (aquatint) by Rickards, T (fl.1804); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Smoking the hookah over a game of chess, 1800.
Engraving by T Rickards, published 1 November 1804.
The hookah is a traditional smoking pipe from India and the Middle East. It can be used for smoking many substances, such as herbal fruits and tobacco. The use of hookahs from ancient times in India was not only a custom, but a matter of prestige. Rich and landed classes, especially during the Mughal era, would smoke hookahs. In this image an officer of the East India Company enjoys a smoke during a game of chess with an Indian associate.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25160042
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Moghul Moghul Dynasty Moghul Empire Mogul Mughal Mughal Dynasty Mughal Empire Mughals People And Culture Inida
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this aquatint print titled "Smoking the hookah over a game of chess, 1800" artist T. Rickards transports us back to a bygone era in India. The scene depicts an officer of the East India Company indulging in the pleasures of smoking a hookah while engaging in a strategic game of chess with his Indian associate. The image beautifully captures the fusion of cultures and traditions during the Mughal era, where smoking hookahs was not only customary but also seen as a symbol of prestige. The officer's relaxed demeanor suggests that he has embraced this aspect of Indian culture wholeheartedly. The intricate details in the artwork allow us to appreciate both the craftsmanship involved in creating such an exquisite piece and the historical significance it holds. From their clothing to their surroundings, every element is meticulously portrayed, transporting us back to 19th-century India. This print serves as a reminder that art can be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it can also provide valuable insights into different societies and their customs. It invites us to reflect on how cultural exchange shapes our world today and reminds us that even through simple activities like playing chess or enjoying tobacco, connections between people from diverse backgrounds are formed.
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