
by Ancient Japanese (Unknown), 1150
Japanese The Lewis Chessmen are 93 gaming pieces carved from walrus ivory and whale tooth around 1150-1200 CE. Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, they're the most famous medieval chess pieces in the world. The pieces include kings, queens, bishops, knights, warders (rooks), and pawns.
Each figure has distinct personality. Kings sit contemplatively. Queens rest their faces on their hands, looking worried. Warders bite their shields in berserker fury. The pieces were probably made in Trondheim, Norway, when the Hebrides belonged to the Norwegian crown. They may have been a merchant's stock, hidden or lost during travel. The British Museum holds 82 pieces while the National Museum of Scotland has 11.
Ancient Egyptian (Unknown), -196
British Library, London, London
Raphael, 1510
British Library, London, London

Ancient Egyptian (Unknown), -1250
British Library, London, London

Ancient Aztec (Unknown), 1480
British Library, London, London
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
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