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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924072 White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Guerard, Nicolas (18th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: White 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 Bengal sepoy standing at attention upon a circular plinth; the sepoy wears a shako with a plume, a double breasted coatee.
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 23573320
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable chess piece from India, dating back to 1820. Crafted out of ivory by an Indian artist, this particular piece is believed to represent the Bengal Army and an Indian ruler's forces. Standing at attention upon a circular plinth, the chess piece takes the form of a Bengal sepoy adorned in a shako with a plume and a double-breasted coatee. 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. The majority of pieces in this set are meticulously carved from single sections of ivory. It is speculated that this specific set was created in Berhampur, which emerged as a prominent hub for ivory carving during the 18th century. Berhampur's strategic location along trade routes made it ideal for catering to European markets, as travelers and traders frequently passed through on their way to Calcutta (Kolkata) and other regions of central and southern India. Additionally, being a garrison town meant that there was always an influx of British officers who may have been interested in acquiring such exquisite chess sets. The craftsmanship displayed in this white pawn exemplifies the skill and artistry prevalent during that era. These intricate chess sets continued to be produced well into the 20th century, leaving behind enduring examples of cultural exchange between India and Britain.
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