Chess Pieces, set of 32, c. 1680
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Elephant ivoryexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 97.11b-gg
Not on Viewexpand_more
Xiangqi, "elephant chess" or Chinese chess was probably imported into China and the West from north India during the sixth century. It might originally have been used for divination, but evolved with time into an entertaining board game that provided both intellectual diversion and a social pastime. Games of war strategy, Chinese and Western chess are similar in concept, but in the Chinese version, the thirty-two markers all have the same shape. They are differentiated by inscribed characters colored black and red that divide the pieces into two sets. The chess board here folds up making it convenient to transport and use outdoors.
Details
- Title
- Chess Pieces, set of 32
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 97.11b-gg
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.
No Image Available