Chessmen (32)
Although it is figural, this set was made for playing. The kings kneel and hold scepters; the queens are represented by generals although they are called viziers or counselors, and they bear swords. The elephant, instead of being in his original position (next to the king), has, as is common in Indian chess, displaced the rook at the corner of the board. In his own place is a camel. The knight is represented by a horse head. The pawns are small standing men, unarmed, wearing kiltlike skirts.
Artwork Details
- Title: Chessmen (32)
- Date: 18th–19th century
- Culture: Indian
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: Height (each king): 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm);
Height (each pawn): 2 in. (5.1 cm) - Classification: Chess Sets
- Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
- Object Number: 48.174.145a–p, aa–pp
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Indian
late 18th–early 19th century
Indian, Gujarat
late 16th century
possibly Indian
late 18th century
probably Indian, Murshidabad
ca. 1790
Indian, Vizagapatam
ca. 1760–65
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