Details
A walrus ivory Kholmogory figural chess set and box
Russian, late 18th century
pink stained and natural, representing Christians and Muslims, kings enthroned wearing respectively crown and turban, the vizier a standing warrior, bishops as elephants, the darker elephants with mahouts climbing on their backs, the knights on rearing horses, rooks as sailing ships (one white ship missing a sail), pawns as foot soldiers -- king 3¼in. (8.5cm.), pawn 1¾in. (4.5cm.); the wooden box applied with finely carved scrolls and floral motif (some damage), the interior with an export stamp
See Front Cover Illustration
Russian, late 18th century
pink stained and natural, representing Christians and Muslims, kings enthroned wearing respectively crown and turban, the vizier a standing warrior, bishops as elephants, the darker elephants with mahouts climbing on their backs, the knights on rearing horses, rooks as sailing ships (one white ship missing a sail), pawns as foot soldiers -- king 3¼in. (8.5cm.), pawn 1¾in. (4.5cm.); the wooden box applied with finely carved scrolls and floral motif (some damage), the interior with an export stamp
See Front Cover Illustration
Literature
A.E.J. Mackett-Beeson, Chessmen, Octopus Books Ltd, 1973, Pages 52-53 & 62.