1. ROYAL CHESS MALL
ROYAL CHESS MALL
DISCOVER THE 9 BEST ANTIQUE
CHESS SETS EVER PRODUCED

2. Chess, known as the "game of kings," has captivated
players for centuries. While its exact origin remains
unknown, it is believed to have originated in 6th-century
India as 'Chaturanga' before migrating to Persia and then
medieval Europe, evolving in both pieces and rules of
chess along the way. Today, chess is played worldwide.
However, complete or even incomplete sets dating before
the 17th century are exceedingly rare.
DISCOVER THE 9 BEST ANTIQUE CHESS
SETS EVER PRODUCED
9 BEST RARE AND ANTIQUE CHESS SETS EVER PRODUCED
9. RUSSIAN CHESS SET

3. This exceptional Russian Chess Set has its roots in
Kholmogory, a town celebrated for its skilled carvers
during the late 1700s. Notably distinct from modern
configurations, this set symbolizes the divide between
Christian and Muslim Russians through distinctive styles
rather than colors. The unique design elements include a
vizier in place of a queen, ships as rooks, and an elephant
representing the bishop's piece, creating a captivating
blend of cultural symbolism and artistic craftsmanship.
TIME: LATE 18TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: RUSSIA
MEDIUM: WALRUS IVORY, WOOD, WALNUT
8. INDIAN CHESS SET

4. TIME: LATE 18TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: INDIA
MEDIUM: ELEPHANT IVORY
This decorative ivory antique chess set likely wasn't created for playing
purposes. Reflecting the political realities of the time, it features opposing
sides representing Indians and British. Rajahs represent the kings on both
sides, riding on elephants. Surprisingly, the traditional elephant or bishop is
replaced by a lion on the British side and a rhinoceros on the Indian side.
Knights are represented by a British cavalryman and an Indian cameleer,
while British and Indian soldiers represent the pawns.
7. LEWIS (UIG) CHESSMEN
TIME: 12TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: NORWAY
MEDIUM: WALRUS TUSK

5. Discovered in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in 1891, the Lewis Chessmen were
originally thought to have originated in Trondheim, the medieval capital of Norway,
which ruled the Hebrides during that period. Consisting of 79 pieces, including multiple
kings, queens, and other chess pieces from various sets, it is speculated that they may
have been part of a merchant's inventory lost while traveling from Norway to Ireland.
6. CHARLEMAGNE CHESS SET
TIME: C. 1100
ORIGIN: ITALY
MEDIUM: ELEPHANT IVORY
Although Emperor Charlemagne lived three centuries before this antique chess set
was made and likely never played chess, these exquisite ivory pieces bear his
name. Created in Salerno, Italy, in the latter quarter of the 11th century, the set was
believed to be a gift to a French king, possibly Philip II or Philip III. It was housed in
Saint-Denis Abbey in Naples from the 13th century until the late 18th century, after
which many pieces were lost during the French Revolution.

6. 5. PERSIAN CHESS SET
DATE: LATE 11TH TO EARLY 12TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: IRAN
MEDIUM: FRITWARE, MOLDED AND GLAZED
Considered one of the earliest complete rare antique chess set in
the world, the Persian chess set features discrete and round
shapes, likely influenced by Islamic prohibition against
representing human forms in art. The shah (king) and firman
(queen) are represented by stylized thrones, while the bishop (fils)
is depicted as an elephant, a common feature in pre-European
sets. The farms (knights) are represented by a horse. This style
has been associated with chess sets not only in the Middle East
but also in Europe for centuries.

7. 4. AGER CHESSMEN
TIME: 1021
ORIGIN: POSSIBLY EGYPT
MEDIUM: ROCK CRYSTAL
It is believed that chess may have been introduced to Muslim Spain
from Baghdad in the 9th century, spreading throughout Europe. The
Ager Chessmen, discovered in Ager, Spain, suggested origins outside
of Spain, possibly in Egypt. Sadly, this antique chess set has been
separated, with some pieces lost entirely. The remaining pieces are
located in Ager, Lerida (Spain), and Kuwait, with the Emir of Kuwait
acquiring some during the late 19th-century auction.

8. 3. MOZARAB CHESS SET
TIME: 10TH CENTURY
ORIGIN: FOUND IN LEON, SPAIN
MEDIUM: DEER ANTLER
Also known as the pieces of Saint Genadio, the Mozarab chess
pieces are believed to date back to the first decade of the 10th
century. The term "Mozarab" refers to Spanish Christians who
lived under Muslim rule from the 8th to 11th centuries. These
pieces were attributed to Genadio de Astorga, a Christian
bishop, and are currently cared for by the Monastery of San
Miguel de la Escalada in Leon, Spain.

9. 2. VENAFRO CHESS SET
TIME: 885-1017 CE
ORIGIN: EUROPE
MEDIUM: DEER ANTLER
Discovered in 1932, the Venafro Chess Set is a remarkable find that traces its
origins back to the 9th-11th centuries. Considered by some to be the earliest
chessmen in Europe, these 19 pieces were uncovered within the confines of a
much older Roman tomb. The Venafro Chess Set's discovery within an ancient
Roman tomb adds a fascinating layer of archaeological context to its historical
significance. This find not only highlights the enduring popularity of chess
throughout the centuries but also offers a glimpse into the interconnectedness
of different civilizations and their shared appreciation for the game.

10. 1. AFRASIAB CHESSMEN
TIME: 700-760 CE
ORIGIN: UZBEKISTAN
MEDIUM: ELEPHANT IVORY
Considered the oldest known antique chess set, the
Afrasiab Chessmen were found in modern-day Uzbekistan
at the Afrasiab excavation site. Dating back to the early 8th
century, these ivory pieces include a king, vizier (queen),
chariot (rook), elephant (bishop), horse (knight), and two
soldiers (pawns).

11. SUMMING UP
These antique chess sets offer a glimpse into the
rich history of the game, showcasing artistic
craftsmanship and cultural influences. From Russia
to India, Norway to Uzbekistan, each set tells a
unique story. They serve as a testament to the
enduring fascination and universal appeal of chess
throughout the ages. These nine antique chess
sets represent a fascinating glimpse into the history
and artistic craftsmanship associated with this
timeless game.