Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 20th century CE. Handmade in Russia and sold by the Russian American Company in Sitka, Alaska. An exquisite wooden chess set intricately carved with adorable figural pieces and an inlaid chessboard that folds for storage! Sculpted from light and dark wood, each piece features the bust of a figure atop a floral pedestal with charming, caricature-like visages - the kings, bishops, and pawns with prominent Russian moustaches, flowing beards, and squat bodies reminiscent of gnomes, the queens boasting idealized faces and voluptuous breasts, and the knights in unique poses with each horse head curved inward, the neck forming an elegant spiral. Ornamental inlays of crowns, rooks, and knights adorn the chess board, while detailed reliefs embellish the box, including a double-head crowned eagle - the imperial symbol of Russia. Size of board (open): 25.25" L x 25.125" W x 3" H (64.1 cm x 63.8 cm x 7.6 cm); board (closed): 25.25" L x 12.5" W x 6" H (64.1 cm x 31.8 cm x 15.2 cm); largest piece (king): 2" W x 7.875" H (5.1 cm x 20 cm)

According to the Russian American Company website: "Chess is widely known today as the national game of Russia, but played by millions all over the world, with the highest popularity in both India and Russia. It is a strategy board game thought to have been developed in the 7th century from the Indian game chaturanga. In Russia, chess was known to be popular from before the 1500's, when it was banned by Ivan the Terrible. The game remained popular throughout the reign of the Czars, and now it is estimated to be played by over 40% of all Russians, as well as an estimated 15% of all Americans. We are direct importers of antique hand carved Russian chess sets. Offering a wide selection of wooden soviet propaganda chess sets."

Provenance: private Alpine, Utah, USA collection, purchased from Russian American Company, Sitka, Alaska, USA

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#185159

A few scratches and nicks to board; none of which would affect game play. Some small, minor nicks on a few protruding points of figures, and all have protective felt on underside with peeling in areas. Otherwise, all are intact and excellent with impressive detail. Includes complete chess set and chessboard that folds into storage box with metal clasps.