Pawn in the Form of an Indian Lady

18th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463

Chess originated in India and has been popular in Islamic world for centuries. This ivory chess piece from the eighteenth century is a pawn in the form of a woman. The figure’s round skirt, decorated with gold leaf and small piercings, forms a steady base for the piece. A long braid hangs down from the back of her head. Because the entire surface is covered with paint, gilding, and lacquer, the piece was once thought to have been made of wood rather than ivory.

Artwork Details

Title: Pawn in the Form of an Indian Lady
Date: 18th century
Geography: Attributed to India, possibly Rajasthan
Medium: Ivory; painted, gilded, and lacquered
Dimensions: H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
Classification: Gaming pieces
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome A. Straka Gift, 1974
Object Number: 1974.27.4
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Pawn in the Form of an Indian Lady, Ivory; painted, gilded, and lacquered — Pawn in the Form of an Indian Lady
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"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painting by Govardhan
Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50

Dagger (Katar), Steel, Indian — Dagger (Katar)
Indian
17th–18th century

Chessmen (32), Ivory with polychrome lacquer and gilding, Indian — Chessmen (32)
Indian
late 18th–early 19th century

"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painted by Chitarman
recto: dated 1627–28; verso: ca. 1530–50

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