Chessman (King) 1865 - 1875

Curator: This intricately carved ivory chess piece, dating from between 1865 and 1875, is attributed to Elkington & Co. It depicts a king, reimagined within a medieval-style castle. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the tension between the regal authority it intends to project and the vulnerability inherent in being contained within fortress walls. The piece almost feels like a symbolic cage. Curator: I think that's a compelling observation. It reminds us to consider how the imagery of kingship often gets intertwined with the power dynamics of control and containment, not only of subjects but of the ruler, too. We need to examine how masculinity and power are expressed through these forms. Editor: Precisely. The King gazes outward, a little somber, seemingly burdened by the crown and expectations, peering from what could be read as a literal and figurative restriction of movement. The carving itself, while meticulous, feels almost claustrophobic. Look at the small crenellations. Curator: And think about the source material, ivory. Its historical ties to colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources raise critical questions about power, trade, and representation. How are colonial structures embedded even in decorative art such as this? Editor: True, the material echoes power but it is an old, brittle power. Even the very game of chess can be viewed as a complex, codified war game representing societal hierarchies and colonial expansion. And you feel this on the surface of the ivory itself. Curator: Definitely. The imagery speaks to deeper power dynamics embedded within artistic production. Editor: And the very small size of the figure means his reach is in some ways limited. Curator: So, seeing this chess piece, originally designed for gameplay, opens an opportunity for considering art objects as more than just decorative; they're historical documents which also help us interrogate the intersection of power, representation, and historical exploitation. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how symbols and their materials accumulate cultural weight, reflecting and reinforcing complex historical realities that still shape our present. The King, captured within ivory and castle, truly makes you reflect on control.