Chessman (Rook) 1850 - 1875

This chess piece, “Chessman (Rook)”, was crafted by Elkington & Co., around the 19th century. Made from silver, this small sculpture presents an elephant carrying a figure on its back. The piece immediately strikes us with its intricate detail. The texture of the elephant’s skin and the rider’s garments is carefully rendered. The composition is balanced, with the solid form of the elephant providing a stable base for the dynamic gesture of the rider pointing forward. The choice of silver as a medium gives the piece a reflective quality, highlighting the forms and textures under light. The chess piece embodies a blend of functionality and artistic expression, which invites us to consider the cultural values and symbolic meanings that are embedded in this sculpture. It serves not just as a game piece, but also a representation of power and strategy. The sheen of the silver, the delicate balance of forms, all work together to create a lasting impression, inviting ongoing interpretation.