Anglo Indian Sandalwood, Horn, Pierced Ivory and Ebony Chessboard

A Fine Anglo Indian Sandalwood, Horn, Pierced Ivory and Ebony Chessboard
In the shape of a miniature folding tripod table complete with its carved ivory chess set in box and a cribbage board.
In fine condition
Circa 1870
Size: 23cm high, 28cm wide – 9 ins high, 11 ins wide
23.5cm long, 8cm wide, 3cm high – 9¼ ins long, 3 ins wide, 1¼ ins high (cribbage board)
Chess was conceived as a war game in ancient India and is known in Sanskit as ‘Chaturanga’; four limbs. The original Indian game included the King, the Minister and the four arms of the State’s defense machinery: foot soldiers, cavalry, elephant brigade and the Navy. Later in arid areas the camel brigade replaced the Navy represented originally by a boat. The game underwent further transformations when it reached Europe. The Minister was replaced by the Queen, the boat or camel by the Bishop, and the elephant became, strangely, the Castle. Thus an Indian war game was transformed into a contest of European court intrigue, in which foot soldiers became ‘Pawns’. The game is played with thirty-two pieces on a board of sixty-four squares. The number sixty four is especially significant in Indian culture and cosmology.
We are always interested in purchasing Chess Sets / Single Chess pieces / Chess Boards / Chess Tables / Part Chess Sets / etc. from Europe / India / China / Middle East

Anglo Indian Sandalwood, Horn, Pierced Ivory and Ebony Chessboard

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SOLD

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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk
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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk