A 13-Century Norwegian Chess Piece: May the Best Player Win!

Published on 24 May 2024, by Claire Papon et Sophie Reyssat

Auction on 28 May 2024 - 14:00 (CEST) - Salle 10 - Hôtel Drouot - 75009

Chess seems to have originated in India around the 6th century CE. This walrus-tusk ivory chess piece attests to its practice in Northern Europe in the 13th century.

Norway, Trondheim, 13th century. Chess piece, king, in walrus tusk ivory carved in... A 13-Century Norwegian Chess Piece: May the Best Player Win!

Norway, Trondheim, 13th century. Chess piece, king, in walrus tusk ivory carved in the round, represented enthroned, holding a sword in his lap, h. 8.3 cm/3.26 in. Estimate: €30,000/50,000

Benoît Bertrand, the auction's expert, makes no secret of his enthusiasm. Seated on his throne, our king is depicted holding a sword in his lap and wearing a crown with fleurons on his hair, with braids falling over his neck and back. His face is oval, adorned with a beard with locks forming a collar around his lower jaw. He wears…

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