Chess Piece, King

Art Historical Context

This intricately carved chess piece depicts a king, a pivotal figure in the game of shatranj—the Islamic precursor to modern chess. Dating to the 8th–10th century and originating from the Islamic world, it measures a compact 3 9/16 x 2 3/8 x 2 516 inches, perfectly suited for portable gameplay. Crafted from jet, a dense, glossy black lignite for its carvability and lustrous polish, the piece showcases the artisan's skill in achieving fine details despite the material's hardness. Chess, evolving from ancient Indian chaturanga, flourished in the Abbasid Caliphate during this era, symbolizing in...