Product details

Seller's Notes:Up to your consideration is this museum class Vintage Eastern African Hand Carved Wood Chess Set, 32 Pieces, Mozambique circa 1950 Immaculate condition. Museum quality display. 32 Pieces included. Beautiful patina with age. No imperfections, cracks or missing parts, dents or chips. In short, pieces are in intact condition for age, clean. No cracks, other breaks or repairs observed. The board is NOT included, but I have a WONDERFUL leather Board that Id love to offer separately. Made in ITALY with Natural leather. Ask me for it in case you were interested. Any imperfections you see are natural by artist and in wood as all hand crafted works of art. Though excellent, please read listing & view pictures, as they make part of my description. This one of a kind set comes AS IS with no returns. Artist is probably unknown. Further research suggests that this was crafted by the Makonde tribe. Figures are very stylized and unique. Circa 20th century, 1950. The pieces are solid with a beautiful feel in hand. Hand carved yellow wood and black wood probably Ebony but could also be another blackwood used mpingo. Makonde carvers using mpingo would go into the bush to find and choose their own tree for their works of art, and cut it down themselves. This set has so many fine details from the small stylized ears, beautiful profiles, meticulous details to hair. Pieces thoughtfully carved front and back. Thatched hut as rooks, giraffe's as knights. Pawns heads set on small pedestals. The king and bishops have decorative head dress and the queen carries water jug. East African carved. Makonde. Mozambique. Reference: "The Illustrated Guide to World Chess Sets," Victor Keats, 1985, pages 200-201; Ned Munger, "Cultures, Chess & Art," Vol 1; Kasper Stock and The Dr. Jean-Claude Cholet Collection of Chess Sets. Value Reference: Kasper Stock Collection of Chess Sets Christie's Lot 44 sold for $479, 2004, but pieces were smaller. This set is truly a standout for the collector and is VERY RARE for this Size. 32 works of fine, highly collectible African art. SIZE: The pieces are quite SUBSTANTIAL in size and have a great weight and feel to them. Note very very slight size variation between yellow and dark set. As all hand carved works, heights may vary slightly between pieces. King 4 1/4" Queen 3 3/4" Giraffe (knight) 3 1/4" Tower (rook) 3 1/4 Bishop 3" Pawn 2 1/4" Total Weight: approx. 1 lb 11 oz. All measurements approximate. EXCELLENT Museum quality collector's chess pieces! Beautiful artistry. Marvelous addition to any collection or décor.

Brand: Other