The Lewis Chessmen
Unmasked
David H. Caldwell, Mark A. Hall and Caroline M. Wilkinson
Publisher: National Museums Scotland
ISBN 13: 978-1-905267-46-0
Pages: 80
Illustrations: 104 photos/illustrations, 34 color
Dimensions: 9 3/4" x 7"
Price:$15.95 $14.35
ISBN 13: 978-1-905267-46-0
Pages: 80
Illustrations: 104 photos/illustrations, 34 color
Dimensions: 9 3/4" x 7"
Price:
Click thumbnails for a larger image.
•The subject of a major at the Cloisters, the Chessmen are on display in upper Manhattan until April 22, 2012
Harry Potter fans may recall the wizard's chess set brought to life with a red queen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. That was a Lewis Chess piece.
These 73 elaborately carved pieces may be the world's oldest complete chess set (or parts of several). Of walrus ivory and whales' teeth, the entire hoard was found 15 feet deep in the sand on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland by a local fisherman in the early 19th century. A source of delight to collectors, chess aficionados and archaeologists, they are currently being exhibited at the Cloisters branch of the Metropolitan Museum. Many of the pictures are pieces that are seldom seen.
Shown with annotations are the seated kings and queens, bishops with miters on their heads, knights mounted on rather small horses and holding spears and shields, rooks with shields and a wild expression, and pawns in the shape of obelisks. They have recognizable features, some humorous, some serious expressions. A number have small red stains, suggesting perhaps that the sets were red and white unlike modern black and white sets.
"This is the first forensic account of modern research into the Chessmen," according to Ancientchess.com. The "unmasked" in the book's title refers to new controversies about their origin and about who might have owned - and lost - them - and about the trade and state of society where they were crafted. Most of the experts agree, however, that that these Medieval pieces are of Scandinavian origin.
"... very authoratative... with very clear explanations... the pictures are just outstanding." Rick Knowlton, Ancientchess.com
Contact us at (845)-679-4024
These 73 elaborately carved pieces may be the world's oldest complete chess set (or parts of several). Of walrus ivory and whales' teeth, the entire hoard was found 15 feet deep in the sand on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland by a local fisherman in the early 19th century. A source of delight to collectors, chess aficionados and archaeologists, they are currently being exhibited at the Cloisters branch of the Metropolitan Museum. Many of the pictures are pieces that are seldom seen.
Shown with annotations are the seated kings and queens, bishops with miters on their heads, knights mounted on rather small horses and holding spears and shields, rooks with shields and a wild expression, and pawns in the shape of obelisks. They have recognizable features, some humorous, some serious expressions. A number have small red stains, suggesting perhaps that the sets were red and white unlike modern black and white sets.
"This is the first forensic account of modern research into the Chessmen," according to Ancientchess.com. The "unmasked" in the book's title refers to new controversies about their origin and about who might have owned - and lost - them - and about the trade and state of society where they were crafted. Most of the experts agree, however, that that these Medieval pieces are of Scandinavian origin.
"... very authoratative... with very clear explanations... the pictures are just outstanding." Rick Knowlton, Ancientchess.com
Contact us at (845)-679-4024