A gem-set rock crystal pachisi set with metal-thread and pearl-embroidered velvet board
India, 19th/ 20th Century
comprising 16 rock crystal playing pieces, 3 rock crystal dice, 1 board, the playing pieces set with coloured gemstones in gold kundan forming floral motifs and birds, the dice with gold kundan pips, the burgundy velvet board decorated with gilt metal-thread and embroidered with seed-pearls and ruby beads with floral motifs, accompanied by a fabric case and storage box
the pieces each 2.3 cm. high(22)
Footnotes:
Pachisi is a board game that originated in India. It can be seen represented in numerous paintings, one such example being a mid-18th Century Mughal painting depicting a prince playing the game with a champion, sold in these rooms (see Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 8 October 2009, lot 247). A further painting in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, depicts Krishna and Radha playing the game (Accession No. IM.292-1914). An example of a velvet pachisi board with floral motifs is in the British Museum, London, as well as a set of rock crystal playing pieces (Numbers As1898,0703.735 & As1880,0610.2.a-p).