Chess Piece, Rook

Unknown

11th–12th century · Ivory; carved · Islamic Art

Chess came to Spain from Islamic lands and quickly gained popularity among people of all faiths. An elite secular activity, chess and its rules and strategies were likely first shared in princely courts, where high-ranking Muslims, Jews, and Christians regularly came into contact. Most medieval Islamic chess pieces were abstract, though figural pieces, such as this rukh (rook) in the form of two riders, do survive.

Artist

Unknown

Date

11th–12th century

Medium

Ivory; carved

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome A. Straka Gift, 1974