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Lot Essay
Pietra dura, which translates to 'hard stone' in Italian and is referred to as pachchikari or parchinkari in India, is the technique of inlaying coloured stones into marble or other hardstone. Amongst the most notable buildings and objects created using parchinkari are those commissioned by emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, most famous of all being the Taj Mahal.
The game of chess can be traced to the Indian Subcontinent in the 2nd or 3rd century, although few other known examples of Mughal chess-sets composed of hardstones from the 17th century are known. The form of this example relates to the luxurious games-boards produced from exotic woods and rare materials such as ivory, found in India and datable to the 16th century such as the example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv.no.1961-1899). A recent example of Mughal pietra dura sold in these Rooms, 25 June 2020, lot 77.
The game of chess can be traced to the Indian Subcontinent in the 2nd or 3rd century, although few other known examples of Mughal chess-sets composed of hardstones from the 17th century are known. The form of this example relates to the luxurious games-boards produced from exotic woods and rare materials such as ivory, found in India and datable to the 16th century such as the example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv.no.1961-1899). A recent example of Mughal pietra dura sold in these Rooms, 25 June 2020, lot 77.