Chess Pieces and Board

Currently not on view

Chess Pieces and Board

c. 1920-1930

Artist/maker unknown, German?

Bakelite, the first completely synthetic substance, was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist working in the United States. In the early years of its production Bakelite was used in the manufacture of luxury objects and valued for its ability to imitate materials such as amber and tortoiseshell.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Chess Pieces and Board

Date:

c. 1920-1930

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, German?

Medium:

Carved Bakelite, silver

Dimensions:

Board: 2 3/4 x 14 3/4 x 14 3/4 inches (7 x 37.5 x 37.5 cm) King: 3 7/8 x 1 7/16 inches (9.8 x 3.7 cm) Queen: 3 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches (8.9 x 3.8 cm) Knight: 3 1/4 x 2 1/16 x 1 inches (8.3 x 5.2 x 2.5 cm) Bishop: 3 1/8 x 1 inches (8 x 2.5 cm) Rook: 3 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches (9.5 x 3.8 cm) Pawn: 2 3/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 inches (7 x 3.2 x 2.5 cm)

Classification:

Toys (including dolls, games, puppets)

Credit Line:

Gift of John F. Harbeson, 1964

Accession Number:

1964-91-29(1--33)

Geography:

Possibly made in Germany, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view