Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

About Unique Chess Sets

Just as the game of chess has obsessed players for years, the individual pieces and chess boards have delighted collectors and enthusiasts alike. There are thousands of types of chess sets, from the comical to the stunningly beautiful. Some are hand-carved by artists. This article will explore some of the basics of chess sets and the varieties that collectors can choose from.

History
- Archeological finds place the origins of chess in India at around 600-700 A.D. However, it did not gain popularity in Europe until the 15th century. According to the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, website, chess became popular in Europe due to the immense trading going on between the western world and the Indies. The game itself did not have an official tournament though until 1866 in London. From that point on, more regulations led to the boards and pieces that we have today.
Features
- In the game's beginnings, nearly every chess set was unique as artisans had to crave or sculpt each by hand. This was a time-consuming process that required a great deal of patience and skill. Today, chess sets are made from everything from gears or bits of scrap, to action figures to hand-carved masterpieces.
Types
- Most unique chess sets are of historical origin are very expensive and rare. Chess sets from India have different pieces. For instance, the rook in the traditional game is depicted as an elephant instead of a castle. This is because elephants were often used to house archers, who could strike from a long distance with their arrows. The castle shape in European chess is based on the same principle, but with no elephants, chess players adopted archers' towers.
  
  Each culture added its own take on the chess set as artisans created pieces by hand. In Japan, hand -carved chess sets included detailed spear men for pawns and samurais or dragons for knights. In China, warriors reminiscent of the famous terracotta fighters were carved from jade. And, in Arabia, one of the first places to adopt chess, pieces were made into abstract symbols, as the depiction of human form is forbidden by religious practices.
Size
- Most chess sets today have boards that measure between 18 and 20 inches with squares around 1.25 to 2.125 inches. Pieces traditionally range from 2 to 3 inches in height. Anything goes for original chess sets, with some being close to life size and others tiny.
Significance
- Chess sets have helped enhance the game of chess worldwide.Collectors seek out new and exotic chess sets, and artisans continue to be inspired by the game to create works of art.

Antiques