AFRASIAB CHESS SET WITH CLOTH ASHTAPADA MAT, circa 700 AD

Description: right" style=""> THE AFRASIAB CHESSMEN THE OLDEST CHESSMEN EVER DISCOVERED, C. 700 AD A FULL SET BASED ON THE PIECES FROM AFRASIAB, UZBEKISTAN HAND MADE CLOTH ASHTAPADA MAT, THE ORIGINAL CHESSBOARD DESIGN One of the great archaeological finds in the history of chess are the Afrasiab chessmen, unearthed in 1977 at Afrasiab, the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan (formerly a center of the Sogdian civilization). Ancient texts tell us that the original Indian chessboards were of this design: squares not checkered, but 16 particular squares marked with X's.A Faithful Reproduction Seven ancient chessmen, found in 1977 by professor Yuriy Buryakov under the fallen cathedral wall, have proved to be the oldest confirmed chess discovery of all time. According to analysis by chess historian Isaac Linder, the seven pieces represent the full array of chessmen from the ancient game of Chatrang -- the earliest form of chess documented in classical scriptures. These chessmen have been carefully studied and re-made in fine detail. The full set of 34 pieces includes 2 extra generals (queens), along with kings, elephants (bishops), horses (knights), flank ministers (rooks), and foot soldiers (pawns). Size: For greatest enjoyment by modern players, they are made at 150% the original size with a 2¾ inch (7 cm) tall king (base of king is 1 7/8 inches, 5 cm). The pieces are cast in Hydrostone, an especially durable gypsum formulated for fine figurines. They are given a natural ivory color finish, with the dark pieces a rich brown tone of ancient ivory. They are felted on the bottoms. The full set of pieces weighs approximately 2¾ pounds. Authentic Ashtapada Mat This mat is hand made in Rajasthan, India. The top surface is a rich red velvet, with double stitched gold ribbon lines. The underside has an additional red cloth lining. Size: The mat is approximately 19 inches on each side, with 2 1/4 inch playing squares.Publicity Both the original archaeological find and this replica have received some notice in related publications. Shown in the pictures, this reproduction graces the cover of Chess Collectors International magazine. Photos show the open magazine, Antike Welt (German), with these reproduction pieces compared to photos of the original find. The magazines are not included in this sale.A Unique, Hand Crafted Limited Edition This unique set is made in a limited edition of 300 sets. Each set is signed and numbered on the bottom of the white king. This is a special offering made for chess collectors and chess historians, produced by AncientChess and manufactured by expert craftsman, Ivan Simberg. Shipping Shipping is by Priority Mail (2-3 days with in the U.S.; 6-10 days to other countries). Please see the shipping quotes listed below.

Price: 345 USD

Location: Sarasota, Florida

End Time: 2024-12-23T16:52:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD