POSSIBLY AFTER A 16TH CENTURY INDIAN CHESS PIECE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED IVORY RED STAINED FIGURAL PIECE
POSSIBLY AFTER A 16TH CENTURY INDIAN CHESS PIECE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
The central elephant carved carrying a howdah, encircled by further elephant riders and figures, some losses
6¼ in. (16 cm.) high
Together with a bone abstract piece -- 2½ in. (6.5 cm.) high (2)

Literature

Hans & Barbara Holländer, Schach Partie Durch Zeiten und Welten Museum Für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, 2005, fig. 148, page 186 and fig. 29, page 59.

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.

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Lot Essay

The origin and inspiration of this carved elephant figural group is uncertain, as discussed in the catalogue Schach Partie. Initially compared to the 8th 9th Century 'Charlemagne King' piece in the Cabinet des Méailles, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris. However, it is more related to Indian 16th Century examples, such as the two in the V&A, London, modelled as an elephant with seated king, escorted by four retainers to the side.

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