Chessmen
Unknown Artist
late 18th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
Height (each king): 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); Height (each pawn): 1 7/8 in. (4.8 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
48.174.82a–p, aa–pp
Tags
Art Historical Context
These exquisite ivory chessmen, crafted by an unknown Indian artist in the late th century, offer a glimpse into the rich tradition of chess in South Asia. Originating as *chaturanga*—an ancient Indian game of strategy that evolved into modern chess—these pieces reflect centuries of cultural refinement. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in1948 by Gustavus. Pfeiffer, they now reside in the European Sculpture and Decorative department, highlighting cross-cultural exchanges in gaming and craftsmanship. Carved from ivory, a prized medium in Indian decorative arts, the set features kings s...