Curiosities
Indian Miniature Chess Set
Rajasthan, India·Late 19th century
$3,400
The story
Chess was invented in India, traveled to Persia, was transformed by the Islamic world, and arrived in Europe already changed. This set was made in Rajasthan, probably for export, in a tradition of carved ivory that dates back centuries. The kings and queens are elephants and riders. The pawns are infantry. The board is inlaid ebony and ivory. It has been played, which is the right thing to have done with it.
Details
- Materials
- Carved ivory pieces (32), ebony and ivory inlaid board
- Condition
- Good — two pawns replaced at some point with pieces from same workshop; board excellent
- Origin
- Rajasthan, India
- Era
- Late 19th century
- Dimensions
- 38H × 38W cm
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