CENTRAL PROVINCES, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

Details

AN INDIAN CARVED IVORY FIGURAL CHESS SET
CENTRAL PROVINCES, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY
The kings and queens as princes riding elephants, the bishops as lions, the pawns as sepoys
The king -- 3in. (8.2cm.) high; the pawn -- 2in. (5.7cm.) high

Provenance

The Dr. Jean-Claude Cholet Collection of Chess Sets, Christie's South Kensington, 2 May 2007, lot 150.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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Lot Essay

This chess set conveys a character and naivety typical of sets from this region and era. See Michael Mark 'Chessmen Practical and Ornamental', Asprey and Chess Collectors International, 1986, who remarks that the quality of carving declined in the ivory workshops in the Bengal region, such as those found in Murshidabad and Berhampur. This is probably related to the diminishing British presence, as Berhampur ceased to be a garrison town in 1870.

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