Chessmen (32)
Unknown
19th century · Ivory · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
These chessmen with baluster stems and finials denoting the rank of the piece are based on European models; the work, however, is unmistakably Oriental. The kings and queens are indicated by crowns, and the bishops by miters; the knights are horse heads, and the rooks have the form of crenelated towers with large flags at the top. The pawns are slim and elegant. The baluster stands all feature a carved, pierced, and undercut knop, which in the rook forms the mass of the tower. The bases are typical of many Chinese sets.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- 19th century
- Medium
- Ivory
- Culture
- Chinese
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
