Chessmen (32)
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
Height (each king): 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); Height (each pawn): 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Classification
Chess Sets
Culture
Indian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
Accession Number
48.174.156a–p, aa–pp
Tags
Art Historical Context
These exquisite ivory chessmen, comprising a complete set of 32 pieces hail from 19th-century India and showcase the region's masterful tradition of miniature carving. Crafted from ivory—a prized medium valued for its smooth texture and ability to capture fine details—the kings stand at 3 7/8 inches (9.8 cm) tall, while pawns measure 2 inches (5.1 cm), making the set compact and portable, ideal for travel or leisurely play among elites. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1948 by Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, now reside in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, highlighting the g...