Backgammon

A teak game decorated on both sides with reserves forming a lozenge inlaid with tortoiseshell scrolls on an ivory ground, the corners adorned with stylized rosewood motifs on an ivory ground. The edges are decorated with a double fillet. When open, it reveals a playing surface inlaid with ivory on a tortoiseshell ground, with large central reserves forming medallions decorated with scrolls and stylized motifs. The edges are finished with a double fillet. Indo-Persian work (?), circa 1820, likely exported from a trading post of an East India Company on the Coromandel Coast. Height: 7.5 cm / Width: 26.5 cm / Length: 52.3 cm (used condition, some missing parts / a leather cup and 30 pieces are included) Besides fabrics, silks, spices, peppers, teas, coffees, cotton, various goods, and porcelain… the route to India allowed Europe to discover a multitude of furniture items with styles and ornamentation previously unknown to most Westerners. After a long voyage across the Indian Ocean, merchant ships unloaded all sorts of wares in Atlantic ports. These novelties and curiosities found their way into the homes of the wealthy. Since the 18th century, backgammon and jacquet have been played with sets of varying sizes and decorative elements. Highly prized by enthusiasts, the one we are presenting is a fine example of the refinement of some of these games, whose decor is reminiscent of the motifs found on many imported works, particularly textiles.