Chess Piece, Rook
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Chess Piece, Rook
- Date: 11th–12th century
- Geography: Attributed to Western Islamic Lands
- Medium: Ivory; carved
- Dimensions: H. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm)
W. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) - Classification: Gaming pieces
- Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Mr. and Mrs. Jerome A. Straka Gift, 1974
- Object Number: 1974.207
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
11th–12th century
11th–12th century
ca. 1325–30
13th–14th century
13th–14th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.