SCANDINAVIAN; about 1200 (20th century reproduction)

69. Lewis Chessmen. Plaster of paris reproductions of bone (walrus or morse ivory): carved in the round, decoration with incised notching effect. King 3" to 4" H.

The Lewis Chessmen are considered to be the outstanding medieval chessmen of the world. There were seventy-eight chessmen found in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, in the Parish of Uigh in the Outer Hebrides. Eleven pieces are now in the National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh (1888 acquisition), and sixty-seven pieces are in the British Museum in London (1831 acquisition). Pieces belong to four sets; those of the same set showing same size, posture, and similar decorative treatments of the backs. The difference in the two half-sets was indicated by varied coloring, now lost, due to age. The incised basket-weave decor points more to Scandinavian than to English, Icelandic, or Scottish origin. For description of pieces, see H. Wichmann, Chess, the Story of Chesspieces, from Antiquity to Modern Times (New York: [1964]) p.283-284, items 41-43.

The John G. White Collection of Chess owns thirty-six replicas, of which two Kings, two Queens, two Bishops, two Knights, and two Rooks are exhibited.

Original collection of John G. White.