Story of Ramayana, India, c. 1930, ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1970.4.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
This set depicts the battle between the demon king, Ravana, and Prince Rama, as told in the Hindu epic the Ramayana. Ravana is represented here by a ten-headed creature whose army is composed of horrible creatures. Rama and his brother, Lakshamana, are aided by an army of monkeys.
Story of Ramayana (detail), India, c. 1930, ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1970.4.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Story of Ramayana (detail), India, c. 1930, ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1970.4.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Figural Chess Set, India (Province of Rajasthan) late 18th century, painted ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1964.11.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Madras-style chess sets, named after the port from which they were exported, were actually carved a thousand miles away in the Province of Rajasthan. These impressive sets are usually large and were made more for presentation than play. The British forces are here represented by helmeted pawns carrying fixed bayonets (and in one case, a fife). They confront Indian forces represented by pawns wearing traditional Indian dress and carrying spears and longbows.
Figural Chess Set (detail), India (Province of Rajasthan), late 18th century, painted ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1964.11.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Figural Chess Set (detail), India (Province of Rajasthan), late 18th century, painted ivory, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1964.11.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Giuseppe Bessi (Italian, 1857–1922), Abstract Chess Set, 1957, alabaster, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1962.11.004. Photo: Dale Petereson.
Italy has been extremely receptive to the modern art movements of the twentieth century. Movements such as Futurism found a home there and may have influenced the design of this chess set, created by the sculptor Giuseppe Bessi in Volterra, Italy. Bessi was best known for busts based on historical figures but he also carved smaller items such as chess sets and everyday items. This set was a gift from Maryhill Museum’s first director, whose passion for chess inspired the museum’s collection.
Giuseppe Bessi (Italian, 1857–1922), Abstract Chess Set (detail), 1957, alabaster, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1962.11.004. Photo: Dale Petereson.
Muslim Chess Set, Middle East (possibly Iran), 19th century, painted wood, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1987.4.8. Photo Dale Peterson.
The simple, abstract designs of Muslim playing sets are often said to be dictated by Islamic laws that forbid realistic and pictorial imagery. These religious strictures have prompted the creation of non-representational chess pieces. This set is typical of that style, having been turned on a lathe and painted bright red and green.
Muslim Chess Set (detail), Middle East (possibly Iran),19th century, painted wood, collection of Maryhill Museum, 1987.4.8. Photo Dale Peterson.
Régence-Pattern Chess Set and Board, France, 19th–20th century, glazed ceramic (faience), collection of Maryhill Museum, 1979.1.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Faience sets of the Régence Pattern have been made in the French ceramic and porcelain centers of Rouen, Gien and Paris since the early nineteenth century. Faience is fine tin-glazed earthenware that is capable of receiving brilliant enamels such as blue, green, yellow and red, as seen here.
Régence-Pattern Chess Set and Board (detail), France, 19th–20th century, glazed ceramic (faience), collection of Maryhill Museum, 1979.1.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
Régence-Pattern Chess Set and Board (detail), France, 19th–20th century, glazed ceramic (faience), collection of Maryhill Museum, 1979.1.1. Photo: Dale Peterson.
