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Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924127 Black pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Renaud, Henri (19th century) (after); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Black pawn, 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 a native spearman with a spear in his raised right hand; the spearman wears a turban and kirta.
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 22324048
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a black pawn chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Crafted from ivory by a skilled Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite piece is part of a larger chess set representing the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. The intricate details of this particular chess piece are truly remarkable. It depicts a native spearman holding a spear in his raised right hand, adorned with traditional attire such as a turban and kirta. These sets, known as "A John Company" sets, were highly sought after by the British during that time period. Carved from single sections of ivory, this set exemplifies the fine craftsmanship prevalent in Berhampur during the 1700s. The town's strategic location made it an ideal hub for European travelers and traders passing through on their way to Calcutta (Kolkata) and other parts of central and southern India. With its regularly-changing population of British officers stationed there, Berhampur also served as a garrison town further fueling demand for these stunning chess sets. Even into the twentieth century, artisans continued to create such exquisite pieces like this one. Preserved at the National Army Museum in London, this photograph allows us to appreciate both the historical significance and artistic beauty captured within each delicate detail of this black pawn chess piece.
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