The Solomon Chessmen
The Solomonic Chessmen, also known as the Solomon Chessmen, are a unique and historical set of chess pieces that have captured the attention of chess enthusiasts and collectors for many years. The origins of the Solomonic Chessmen are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that they were created in the medieval period, possibly in the 12th or 13th century.
Named after King Solomon
The Solomonic Chessmen are named after King Solomon, the biblical king of Israel known for his wisdom and wealth. The chess pieces are believed to be based on biblical characters and scenes from the Old Testament, such as King David, the Queen of Sheba, and the Wise Men of the East. This religious theme is rare in the history of chess sets, making the Solomonic Chessmen a truly unique and remarkable piece of history.
Each piece is meticulously carved and decorated with intricate details, such as fur trimming on the King’s robes and the intricate details of the horses’ manes on the knights.
The pieces are also beautifully colored, with the pieces typically made of a light-colored material and the decorations made of a darker material, such as ebony or ivory.
The pieces are much larger than standard chess pieces, with the Kings and Queens often measuring over six inches in height. This makes them an impressive sight on the chessboard and also makes them more easily visible to players, especially those with poor eyesight.
The Solomonic Chessmen are relatively unknown compared to other famous chess sets, such as the Staunton Chess Set. This is partly due to the fact that very few complete sets of the Solomonic Chessmen still exist. Most sets have been lost over time, with only a few remaining in private collections or museums.