Chess. An Indian ivory 'Pepys' chess set circa 1820

Chess. An Anglo-Indian ivory Vizagapatam 'Pepys' chess set circa 1820, comprising 32 pieces, one side stained green, the other natural, exquisitely carved, the king's 14.5cm high, the pawn's 7cm high

(Qty: 1)

A similar set was sold at Bonham's, London on 19 May 2010 (lot 117).

For further reading refer to Master Pieces by Gareth Williams pp 103/104

"One very attractive design imported is normally referred to as a "Pepys" set. Such a set, with a box board and backgammon counters, was presented to the London Museum by the Pepys Cockerell family, descendants of the diarist Samuel Pepys... The sets made for export for the East India Company and those made to cater for English taste did to a certain extent modify the style of carving of the traditional Hindu Indian artist. They would carve in the inherited style used over centuries by masons whose sculptured masterpieces of their varied gods impressively adorn the ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples built throughout the subcontinent."