Where is the oldest chess set?

Pieces from the oldest known chess set are on display at the State Museum of Culture History of Uzbekistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The seven figurines are known as the Afrasiab chessmen and date back to the 6th to 8th centuries. Shop a range of antique chess sets on 1stDibs.

What is a gilded chess set?

A gilded chess set is a game set that includes a board and chess pieces that are highly decorative. Traditionally, the word gilded indicates something covered in gold. However, for chess sets, it can describe any pieces that feature decorative embellishments, such as carvings or inlays. You'll find a selection of antique and vintage chess sets on 1stDibs.

What is the name of the oldest European chess set?

The name of the oldest European chess set is the Venafro Chess Set. Experts estimate that artisans produced the set sometime between 885 to 1017 CE, and archaeologists discovered it in a Roman tomb in 1932. On 1stDibs, find a variety of chess sets from some of the world’s top sellers.

African Chess Set

Vintage Chess Pieces

Vintage Backgammon Set

Mid Century Chess Table

Recent Sales

Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Cherry and Maple)

Located in Durban, ZA

The game of chess is estimated to be some 1500 years old. It is hard to imagine all the variations

Category

2010s South African Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper

Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Cherry and Maple)

Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Walnut and Sycamore)

Located in Durban, ZA

The game of chess is estimated to be some 1500 years old. It is hard to imagine all the variations

Category

2010s South African Mid-Century Modern Game Tables

Materials

Brass, Copper

Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Walnut and Sycamore)

H 267.72 in W 255.91 in D 255.91 in

1960s Hand Made African Brass Chess Set on Marble Board

Located in Tarrytown, NY

1960s African handmade brass chess set on marble board.

Category

Vintage 1960s Games

Materials

Brass

1960s Hand Made African Brass Chess Set on Marble Board

H 0.5 in W 13.25 in D 13.25 in

African chess set of Namibia

Located in Delft, NL

African chess set of Namibia An African chess set with figures of Namibia, made by hand of walnut

Category

Late 20th Century Namibian Games

Materials

Plastic, Wood

African chess set of Namibia

H 2.17 in W 13.98 in D 13.98 in

African Hand Carved Stone Chess Set 1980

Located in Weesp, NL

This unique 1980 stone hand cut chess set was a gift from the government of Kenya to the Italian

Category

Vintage 1980s Kenyan Post-Modern Games

Materials

Stone

African Hand Carved Stone Chess Set 1980

H 5.32 in W 13.39 in D 13.19 in

Mid-Century Modern South African Hand Made Brass and Leather Chess Set

Located in Weesp, NL

South African 1970's rare hand made brass chess set in perfect condition. The foldable board is

Category

Vintage 1970s South African Mid-Century Modern Games

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern South African Hand Made Brass and Leather Chess Set

H 3.55 in W 15.36 in D 15.36 in

Pink and Cream Geometric African Stone Marble Complete Chess Set, Kenya

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A complete chess set in pink and cream stone. This board will make a lovely addition to any coffee

Category

20th Century Kenyan Hollywood Regency Games

Materials

Stone

Pink and Cream Geometric African Stone Marble Complete Chess Set, Kenya

H 1 in W 12 in D 12 in

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Questions About African Chess Set

Where is the oldest chess set?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Pieces from the oldest known chess set are on display at the State Museum of Culture History of Uzbekistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The seven figurines are known as the Afrasiab chessmen and date back to the 6th to 8th centuries. Shop a range of antique chess sets on 1stDibs.
What is a gilded chess set?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A gilded chess set is a game set that includes a board and chess pieces that are highly decorative. Traditionally, the word gilded indicates something covered in gold. However, for chess sets, it can describe any pieces that feature decorative embellishments, such as carvings or inlays. You'll find a selection of antique and vintage chess sets on 1stDibs.
What is the name of the oldest European chess set?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
The name of the oldest European chess set is the Venafro Chess Set. Experts estimate that artisans produced the set sometime between 885 to 1017 CE, and archaeologists discovered it in a Roman tomb in 1932. On 1stDibs, find a variety of chess sets from some of the world’s top sellers.