Chessmen (32)
The white king portrays Napoleon, easily recognized by his posture and costume. His queen, however, cannot be identified as Josephine or Marie-Louise, and her dress is at least semi-Oriental. In many Chinese sets for export the likeness of the king is that of a well-known character, but the likeness does not extend to his consort. The opposing, Chinese, ruler is not recognizable, as is customary. The white bishop is evidently meant to be such; a Chinese sage is his opponent. Apart from these capital pieces there is considerable confusion. The four knights are the same shape, differentiated only by color; so are the rooks (elephants with castles). Somewhat archaistic in view of Napoleon's presence, the pawns are pikemen on the Chinese side, and their opponents carry swords and round shields, echoing some of the figures of Indian export sets. The set was undoubtedly made for French consumption, as the Chinese varied the nationality of the king to suit the allegiance of their visitors.
Artwork Details
- Title: Chessmen (32)
- Date: 19th century
- Culture: Chinese
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: Height (each king): 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm);
Height (each pawn): 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm) - Classification: Chess Sets
- Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
- Object Number: 48.174.165a–p, aa–pp
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Chinese
late 19th century
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19th century
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19th century
Chinese
19th century
Chinese
19th century
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