Reproduction of a traditional bone German chess set, carved in the fourteenth century and now on display in a museum in Leipzig. Similar designs were popular in England during the medieval period, imported and sold at fairs. A number of the pieces (particularly the rook) have been found during excavations in York, Oxford and London.
With six individually sculpted designs, cold-cast and stained to give an antique finish, the two sides to this set are differentiated by an ebony/ivory colour.
Key figures:
- King: King on throne, the reverse of which engraved with illustrations of warriors (3.75" tall)
- Queen: Queen on throne, the reverse of which engraved with illustrations of ladies-in-waiting
- Bishop: Bishop on throne, the reverse of which engraved with illustrations of holy men and musicians
- Knight: A 12th century mounted horseman, it continues to exhibit the influence of Viking design, also seen in the 300-400 years older Isle of Lewis set
- Castle: One of the first instances of a literal castle being used in an early European chess set
- Pawn: Soldiers of the Angevin royal household
Antique Finish, made from cold-cast powdered marble and resin in Somerset.
We have pictured this set on an 18" Oriel Board (sold separately).
