DELHI, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

AN INDIAN IVORY 'SAHIB' CHESS SET
DELHI, LATE 19TH CENTURY
Modelled to represent the Sikhs versus the Muslims, one side with red stained concentric rings on the bases, the bishops as elephants, knights as horses' heads, the rooks as turrets
The king -- 2¾ in. (7 cm.) high; the pawns -- 2 in. (5 cm.) high

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

Victor Keats, Illustrated Guide to World Chess Sets, Batsford Ltd, 1985 illustrates a similar set on page 29, pl. 17. Keats notes that these bust type pieces are also known as 'Sahib' sets, carved in the area around Dehli, from the second half 19th century.

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