Chess and goose game board

Unknown

late 16th century · Ebony, ebonized wood, ivory, horn, gold wire · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

One side of this work may be the earliest example in existence of a board for playing goose, a game that was first made popular at the Medici court in Florence. Dice-throwing contestants race to the center while trying to avoid landing on certain symbols. The board’s design follows an Italian Renaissance print, but the workmanship of the inlay is likely that of Gujarati artisans in Western India, who produced various works including shell for the Northern European market.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th century

Medium

Ebony, ebonized wood, ivory, horn, gold wire

Culture

India, Gujarat

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Pfeiffer Fund, 1962