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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
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White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory)
5924045 White pawn, chess piece, India, 1820 circa (ivory) by Smith, Percy John Delf (1882-1948); 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 John Company 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.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25138826
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable white pawn chess piece from India, dating back to around 1820. Carved meticulously out of ivory by an Indian artist, most likely in Berhampur, this exquisite piece is part of a larger chess set representing the Bengal Army and Indian rulers' forces. The chess piece takes the form of a Bengal sepoy standing proudly at attention on a circular plinth. Adorned with a shako featuring an elegant plume and dressed in a double-breasted coatee, it epitomizes the regal attire worn by East India Company soldiers during that era. Known as John Company sets, these finely-crafted chess sets were highly sought after by the British. Each piece was intricately carved from single sections of ivory, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. 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. The town also housed British officers stationed there temporarily, further fueling demand for such artistic creations. Even into the twentieth century, masterpieces like this continued to be produced. This particular photograph is held at London's National Army Museum and offers us a glimpse into both history and artistry intertwined within this stunning white pawn chess piece from colonial-era India.
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