Isle of Lewis 2024 (Mini) - Ivory & OxBlood

ISLE OF LEWIS CHESS SET - This Chess set is a miniature replica of the most popular Chess set in the world.

This set is a Museum reproduction of the Isle of Lewis Chess set which was discovered in the Outer Hebrides in 1831. The set was on route to Dublin which formed part of a Viking trade route between Ireland and Scandinavia when it vanished. The route passed the Isle of Lewis which was Viking Territory.
Some Pieces were found in 1825 in County Meath, Ireland. One of which is known as the Meath Queen and is on display in the National Museum in Dublin. The 78 pieces that were later found on the Isle of Lewis are on display in The British Museum in London and the Scottish Museum in Edinburgh. This set is a reproduction of those pieces; The board is my original design as no boards where found with the pieces.

The Pieces are at first ascribed to the 12th century, the originals were carved by a Viking from walrus tusk. They were coloured using ox blood this set reflects those colours.
The crowned King carries a broadsword and is flanked by pieces representing medieval Knights and Bishops. The Rook is represented by a sentry, armed with a sword and carrying an engraved shield. This piece was also known as a Berserker one of the fiercest of Viking warriors. The 2024 expression of the Queens face is priceless. From a historical point of view, the Lewis pieces should be considered along with the more ornate pieces in the Leipzig Museum and in the Museum of Cluny, Paris as well as the British Museum in London.

The board is 30.5cm x 26cm x depth 2cm. Pieces; King is 5.5cm, Pawn is 2cm.

This Set Has been Handmade in my Studio in Dublin Ireland
This set is made from Irish Limestone