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Chess and backgammon game board

Circle of Georg Schreiber German
17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520
The amber this board is made from provides a rich golden surface across which chess pieces could be moved, a fitting stage for aristocrats to rehearse the strategic thinking used in warfare and diplomacy. Chess was both entertaining and educational, and the game was popular with affluent players, especially royal patrons. Many surviving boards and pieces were designed with such audiences in mind, using sumptuous materials and intricate decorations.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chess and backgammon game board
  • Maker: Circle of Georg Schreiber (German, active 1616–1643)
  • Date: 17th century
  • Culture: German, Königsberg (Kaliningrad, Russia)
  • Medium: Amber, ivory, brass, gold foil, ebony
  • Dimensions: Overall (closed, confirmed): 12 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 3 in. (31.8 × 31.8 × 7.6 cm);
    Overall (open, confirmed): 24 3/8 × 12 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (61.9 × 31.8 × 3.8 cm)
  • Classification: Chess Sets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
  • Object Number: 48.174.41
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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