The game of checkers, also known as draughts, has been played for millennia, with the earliest boards found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. The 10x10 tiled playing board hasn't changed over time, but the number of stones to play with does differ: this early version has 15 stones for each player, which later in history would change to 20 stones.
The French called this game 'La Jeu des Dames' (the game of ladies), which refers not to the players but to the stones involved. All layers of society played checkers, and it is well known that well-to-do ladies would play the game sometimes for money during get-togethers.
This particular example was clearly made to be used and displayed proudly. Its exterior is clad with imitation-reeded decor, lined with a line of gold banding. The checkers board is painted on top of a mirror, creating a mirrored effect in a selection of the tiles.
When opened, the interior reveals two mirrored compartments which each hold 15 wooded stones, which are stained white and red. The middle part of the interior is also clad with a mirror and an image of the personification of La Poesie (the muses), which shows a winged lady with her feet on a stack of books while stringing a harp. This image is inspired by a print of French painter Pierre-Paul Prud'hon (1758-1823), who created a print series of personifications, including Les Artes, Les Sciences, Le Commerce, La Poesie, L'Industrie, and La Navigation.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 14 x 19 x 4.5 cm.
Weight: 590 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1810s.
Condition: This box is in antique condition with wear, consistent with its age. Both the exterior and interior has scuffs, marks, and minor losses to its decorations, as can be seen in the pictures. The mirrors are all in good condition with no cracks or damages, and all stones are still present.