Medieval chess pieces: Cardinal red

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 the set differentiated by a cardinal red and 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.

Due to being a hand painted artisan product, every set will be unique and your set will vary slightly in colour from the pictures on our website.

These playing pieces look beautiful on our traditional wood boards. A board is not included. We have pictured this set on an 18" Harmon Board (sold separately).