BALINESE, INDONESIA; 18th century (?)

28. Mythological Chessmen. Wood: dark red, close-grained sawo wood vs. ebony. King 5" H. Wood case-board with finely carved floral scroll design and carrying handles.

Some of the finest highly detailed, hand-carved hardwood Eastern chess sets come from Bali. Chess sets usually portray Hindu epics, religion, or drama. The wood carving tradition is centuries old. This extraordinary set tells the story of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the two ancient Hindu epics, depicting the good and the evil personages of the Hindu pantheon. The King is Prince Rama, the Queen is Sita, Rama's wife who was kidnapped by the King of the Demons, Rwana. Hanuman, the King of the Monkeys, comes to Sita's rescue. But Meganda, the son of Rwana shoots Rama with a magic arrow which turns into a snake and entwines itself around Rama. Rama is saved by Garuda, a giant eagle, which kills the snake. In this chess set, the Pawns are monkeys and demons representing Hanuma-n's army of monkeys fighting against Meganda's army of demons.

Purchased by the donor in Atlanta, GA., July 25, 1979.
Gift of Charles K. Rath, Jr., 1991.