The George E. Muehleck Jr. Gallery of International Chess Sets at the Maryhill Museum of Art near Goldendale, Washington, displays an interesting variety of different chess set.
The origins of the game of chess have been traced back more than a thousand years ago to India. Chess appears to have evolved from the Indian game of Chaturanga which is played with two or four players. Chess first appears in Europe shortly before 1000 CE as a result of trade, possibly through Muslim controlled Spain. By 1500, chess had been shortened and standardized to resemble the game that is currently played throughout the world.
The display at the Maryhill Museum of Art explains:
“Early Indian and Persian chess pieces were probably carved to represent military individuals and their world—generals, soldier, elephants, horses, ships, camels and ramparts. When the game traveled to Arabia, the pieces became abstracted versions of these representational figures. In Europe, artists initially copied the Arabian models but soon created pieces reflecting Europe’s feudal societies—kings, queens, bishops, knights, castles and peasants or soldiers. As the popularity of the game grew, more abstract playing sets appeared. Today, chess sets can be found in a wide array of styles and patterns.”
Shown below are some of the chess pieces which are on display at the Maryhill Museum of Art.
Shown above is a Chinese chess set from about 1960 which represents historical periods of Chinese history.
Shown above is a late nineteenth-century Chinese puzzle-ball-style chess set. This set was meant for decorative display rather than for playing.
Shown above is a nineteenth-century Macao-style chess set.
Related photo diary: Museums 101: International Chess Sets (Photo Diary)