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Isle of Lewis Chess Sets
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Isle Of Lewis Chess Sets
Isle of Lewis Magnetic Chess Set

 

On the outer shores of Scotland lies the Isle of Lewis. In the early 1800's this area; as well as many other large areas of Scotland, was ruled by Norway. This could help explain the tales of how intricately carved pieces of walrus ivory that formed 93 artistic chess playing pieces; now known as Lewis chessmen, were created in Norway and found on the shores of the Isle of Lewis. They were likely crafted in Norway about AD 115-1200. It is a belief that the collection of pieces, which made up 4 distinct sets, were lost or stolen during a voyage from Norway to some wealthy Norsemen in Ireland. 

All of the pieces are carving of people, with the exception of the pawns. They are figured after gravestones. The Knights are mounted on the horses with spears in hand ready for battle, not just the horse as we typically see with many other styles of chess sets including the tournament style Staunton Chess sets. Most of the figures had saddened or glum expressions with the exception of the rooks that had an almost crazed look in their eyes. Traces of red stain still present when the pieces were found indicated that perhaps they used red and white to distinguish the two sides rather than the typical black and white we see today.

While there are many tales of how the 93 pieces ended up in the sandbanks of the Big Uig on the western side of the Isle of Lewis - the current disputes are where these original 93 pieces are now on display. During 1831 the 93 pieces were put on display by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and 10 pieces purchased privately by Kirkpatrick Sharpe, who later uncovered an additional bishop bringing his collection to 11 pieces. These were sold in 1888 and sold again putting them back in the hands of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland who donated them to the National Museum of Scotland. The other 82 pieces were purchased for display the British Museum of London. Many argue that the set should not be split up and specifically that the majority of pieces should be by the Scottish museum not the English.
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Isle of Lewis Chess Sets

A Chess set with an very interesting history and a truly unique look. The Isle of Lewis Chess Set was originally believed to be crafted in Norway about AD 115-1200. These pieced ended up on the shores of Scotland after the ship carrying them was either robbed or succumbed to the rough seas and washed up on the Scottish shore. These collectable pieces were said to be on route to a rich Norseman living in Ireland.

Most of the figures are etched pieces resembling human figures. The faces of each of the pieces are very sad and somber with the exception of the rooks that seem to have a slightly crazed look to them. The Pawns are the exceptions as they are small replicas of tombstones. The sets are manufactured pieces of Dark and natural stained boxwood figures on a Sheesham Maple board.

These pieces are very original and will certainly make an interesting conversation piece as well as a welcome addition to any Chess enthusiast's collection. Consider this extremely distinctive set as a gift for the chess player you know, or if you are a fan consider this as an investment in some history of the game.