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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924037 White rook, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Lefebvre, Claude (1632-75); 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 22323590
© 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 intricate details of this particular chess piece are truly remarkable. The European soldier depicted in the carving stands tall on a laddered platform atop a crenellated tower. Holding a staff with both hands, he wears a short coat adorned with double-breasted wings and a stylized tricorne hat. This exquisite craftsmanship is characteristic of "A John Company" sets - finely-crafted chess sets that were highly sought after by the British during this time period. Berhampur, where this set was likely made, became renowned for its ivory carving industry in the 1700s. Situated conveniently along trade routes between Calcutta (Kolkata) and central and southern India, it attracted European travelers and traders who appreciated these stunning works of art. Notably, Berhampur also served as a garrison town with a fluctuating population of British officers. As such, it provided an ideal market for these exceptional chess sets throughout the years. Even into the twentieth century, craftsmen continued to create such masterpieces like this one. Preserved at the National Army Museum in London today, this white rook serves as both a testament to historical craftsmanship and as an intriguing glimpse into the world of strategic board games enjoyed by soldiers and rulers alike centuries ago.
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