Chess and Other Games Pieces from Islamic Lands

A stunning collection of intricately made games pieces from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait

Among the many treasures of The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, are hundreds of games pieces dating from the seventh to the nineteenth century CE. Intricately crafted in a rich variety of materials, including ivory, wood, ceramic, glass, jade, and agate, these tiny objects not only mark the evolution of familiar games into their modern forms, but also evoke the imperial palaces, military camps, and herde...