The most famous chess set in the world, the Lewis Chessmen, is spending some time overseas in 2012. Normally housed in the British museum in London and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, these 12th century icons are playing a match at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from Nov. 15, 2011 until April 22, 2012. It's the first time the entire Lewis chess collection set has left the UK.
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Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, the aptly named Lewis Chessmen are a collection of 78 pieces believed to have been created in the 12th century. They are some of the only medieval chess sets in existence, and were originally made in Norway. Each piece is carved from walrus ivory in the image of Norse kings, riders, warders, berserkers, and more. They exhibit great attention to detail, carrying carved shields, boasting long, shaggy locks, and showing unforgettable facial expressions. Seen most recently in Harry Potter movies, the Lewis Chessmen are one of the most iconic chess sets in the world. Modern Isle of Lewis Chess Sets faithfully recreate this set in beautiful and highly playable form, and are a great choice for display or play. Some of the pieces originally showed traces of red stain, indicating that red and white were the opposing colors - not the black and white we're used to in chess sets today. |
Museums like the Met have interest in chess sets far beyond the Isle of Lewis, however. Chess is one of the oldest games on Earth, providing an artifact-rich constant through time and culture that can be collected and studied in great detail. It's commonly believed that chess finds its origins in sixth-century India, eventually spreading west and becoming a mainstay of European culture. Early Persian and Indian chess sets are centered around an elephant piece, with an advisor or vizier by its side. Medieval Europe, dominated by the church, changed these to the now-commonplace bishop-style king and accompanying queen.
Taking part in the game of chess, whether you're a player, collector, or observer, is taking part in a rich, storied tradition like no other. Whether your chess board is a stage to reenact The Game of the Century, an Isle of Lewis recreation, a baroque display piece, or an artistic statement in exotic wood, it's a great way to bring a piece of the past into your home.
