A GROUP OF THREE MISCELLANEOUS CHESS GAMING PIECES...
A GROUP OF THREE MISCELLANEOUS CHESS GAMING PIECES
Possibly Iran or Egypt, 10th - 12th century
Of differing forms, comprising one ivory chess piece of cylindrical shape, the body decorated with two bands of dotted motif, 4.8cm high; one wooden pawn with hexagonal base, possibly later, 4cm high; and one horse-shaped hardstone chess piece, 4.5cm high.
Anna Contadini wrote an enlightening essay on early Islamic gaming pieces, in which she studied the chronological development of their shapes and divided them in three main styles. From her study, it emerges that horse-shaped chess pieces would represent the pre-13th century counterparts of the chess piece known in the West as the Knight. For a discussion on early Islamic chess and other medieval gaming pieces, see A. Contadini, 'Islamic Ivory Chess Pieces, Draughtsmen & Dice', in James Allan (ed.), Islamic Art in the Ashmolean Museum, vol.X, Part One, Oxford, 1995, pp.111-154.
This item may require Export or CITES licences in order to leave the UK or the European Union. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that lots have the relevant licences before shipping.
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A GROUP OF THREE MISCELLANEOUS CHESS GAMING PIECES
Possibly Iran or Egypt, 10th - 12th century
Of differing forms, comprising one ivory chess piece of cylindrical shape, the body decorated with two bands of dotted motif, 4.8cm high; one wooden pawn with hexagonal base, possibly later, 4cm high; and one horse-shaped hardstone chess piece, 4.5cm high.
Anna Contadini wrote an enlightening essay on early Islamic gaming pieces, in which she studied the chronological development of their shapes and divided them in three main styles. From her study, it emerges that horse-shaped chess pieces would represent the pre-13th century counterparts of the chess piece known in the West as the Knight. For a discussion on early Islamic chess and other medieval gaming pieces, see A. Contadini, 'Islamic Ivory Chess Pieces, Draughtsmen & Dice', in James Allan (ed.), Islamic Art in the Ashmolean Museum, vol.X, Part One, Oxford, 1995, pp.111-154.
This item may require Export or CITES licences in order to leave the UK or the European Union. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that lots have the relevant licences before shipping.
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Time, Location
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