Neufs pièces de jeu d'échecs

A group of nine jet chess pieces, Eastern Persia, 9th century Carved and polished fossilized wood (lignite or jet), in the form of a slightly faceted irregular dome, tapering to a point at the top, decorated with circles formerly inlaid with shell (?). D. at base 1.7 to 2.2 cm / H. 1.9 to 2.4 cm. These pieces have been freely carved by hand, making them asymmetrical objects. The technique of using decorative inlays made of contrasting materials has been known in Central Asia and the Near East since Antiquity. Provenance : Public sale, France, Collection of M. de Wilde (1929-2019). Bibliography: Published in R. de Wilde, Poids, Balances et Pions des Civilisations Anciennes, 2017, p. 236, reproduced on p. 272. Oeuvres comparables / Similar works : Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, identified as jet, attributed to Iran (48.101.256) and Egypt (1972.119.4). Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, (inv. LNS 46S and LNS 96S), attributed to Iran, 8th-9th century, published in W. Greenwood & D. Freeman Fahid, 'Kings & Pawns: Board Games from India to Spain', Exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar, 19 March - 21 June 2014. A group of nine jet chess pieces, Eastern Persia, 9th century These pieces have been freely carved by hand, making them asymmetrical objects. The technique of using decorative inlays made of contrasting materials has been known in Central Asia and the Near East since Antiquity.