Chess Set: The Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces Stone Resin on Black & Brown Faux Leather Board

The Isle of Lewis
Black & Brown Faux Leather Board

The Chess Pieces:

Originally crafted from walrus ivory and whale, teeth the iconic Isle of Lewis chess pieces were discovered in the vicinity of Uig on the Isle of Lewis some time in April 1831. The precise location seems to have been a sand dune where they may have been placed in a small, dry stone chamber. The hoard which consisted of 78 chess pieces and 15 other artifacts was initially shown at the Scottish Antiquaries Society in Edinburgh, which hoped to acquire it, but was unsuccessful in its fundraising efforts. The British Museum eventually acquired it through negotiations between November 1831 and January 1832.

The pieces were probably made in Trondheim, Norway, about 1175. At this period, the Western Isles, where the chess pieces were found, were part of the Kingdom of Norway, not Scotland. It seems likely they were buried for safe keeping on route to be traded in Ireland.

The chess pieces testify to the strong cultural and political connections between the kingdoms of the British Isles and Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, and to the growing popularity within Europe of the game of chess, the origins of which lie in India after around 500 BC. Chess arrived in Christian Europe via the Islamic world, where the game was adapted to reflect medieval European society. Of the ninety-three pieces of this hoard known to us today, eleven pieces are in Edinburgh at the National Museum of Scotland, and eighty-two are in the British Museum.

But that's not all – flip the board over, and you'll discover a backgammon playing surface, complete with all the markings and design elements necessary for a thrilling game of backgammon. This dual-purpose design adds versatility to your gaming collection, allowing you to enjoy two timeless classics in one luxurious package.

Material: Resin
King Height: 3.5"
King Diameter (at base): 1.87"

The Chess Board:

introducing our luxurious 23" Brown & Black Faux Leather Chess Board, crafted in Italy with precision. This exquisite chess board features a rich blend of brown and black hues, seamlessly intertwined to create a striking visual masterpiece. Crafted from premium faux leather, this board exudes opulence and refinement while offering exceptional durability and longevity. The smooth surface provides the perfect canvas for your chess pieces to glide effortlessly across each square, enhancing your gaming experience with every move. Measuring 2.25" per square, this board offers ample space for strategic maneuvering, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the intricacies of the game.

Chess Board: Pressed Faux Leather
Chess Board Size: 23" x 23"
Chess Board Square Size: 2.25"