BERMAMPUR, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

AN ANGLO-INDIAN CARVED IVORY 'JOHN COMPANY' CHESS SET
BERMAMPUR, SECOND QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
The kings carved as princes mounted in howdahs riding elephants, the queens as supporting princes beneath parasols, the bishops riding camels, the knights on horseback, the rooks as turrets, the pawns as foot soldiers brandishing spears versus Sepoys, on bases with relief carved trailing foliage, one side stained red
The king -- 4¾in. (12cm.) high; the pawn -- 2½in. (5.7cm.) high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Murshidabad and Berhampur were the main centres of export ivory caring in Bengal province. The tradition of ivory carving was probably established under the patronage of the Mughal Governor of Bengal, during the early years of the 18th Century, when Murshidabad was the political and cultural hub. By 1811 the region was known for its 'inimtimabe ivory work' (see Amin Jaffer, page 238). Berhampur, established as a barrack town, became the primary centre of the craft during the early 19th Century, as more European travellers passed through to the Ganges. Many tourists commented on the quality of ivory toys, chessman, boxes and beautiful objects for sale.
See Amin Jaffer Furniture From British India and Ceylon, V&A Publications 2001, page 238-239.

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