Chessmen (31)

18th–19th century
Not on view
Although both sides were left the natural color, they are distinguishable by the form of the pieces. On the "good" side, the elephant (bishop) and horse (knight) have monkey riders, whereas on the "evil" side they are without. The "good" king is a protective spirit, and the "evil" one a demon. The black pawns are also demons, and the white pawns are monkeys. The rooks are chariots. Monkeys are used on the "good" side because in the Far East they were thought to have the power to drive away or prevent the evil influences of wicked spirits.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chessmen (31)
  • Date: 18th–19th century
  • Culture: Burmese
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: Height (each rook): 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm);
    Height (each pawn): 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
  • Classification: Chess Sets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.174.109a–d, f–p, aa–pp
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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