Russian chess sets have a definitive appearance and are lustrous in color and design. Individually made from the finest woods and materials available, each set is defined by the craftsman who has crafted it. Early chess games were carved from bone and ivory with a look of India about them though they now have a look all their own.
History
Chess came to Russia by way of the Baltic Sea when the Vikings arrived. The game is popular with Russians, more so than football. Early sets were carved from bone and ivory dating back to the 11th century. Chess pieces were intricately hand carved by craftsmen depicting Russian Christians and Muslims. They were not differentiated by color, but were distinguishable and standard in design as Russian chess pieces reflecting an Indian influence. Chess sets are now offered in rich woods such as dark rosewood, maple, ebony and Sheesham which is a golden rosewood. There is a Babushka wooden set with each character having been individually handcrafted. This board is made from birch while other styles of Russian boards are made from hardwood with a maple and walnut veneer.
Types
Russian sets come in chest form where the storage box resembles a jewel case. There is a pedestal table style of chess board table that is 15 inches round and has magnetic chess pieces. The fold-in-half style of game is very popular and stores easily with all the pieces fitting inside a box like briefcase. There is a chess set that comes as two games in one. The chess game is played on top of the board and the set opens to reveal a backgammon board and pieces. This set is made in Greece and is handcrafted. All sets are polished by hand to a high sheen.
Features
The wooden game pieces are double or triple weighted and have felted or leather pads attached to the bottom base. The chess characters are denoted by their individual carving. The horses have glorious manes and some of the sets have Knights with manly features. The King ranges in height from 3" to 3.75" depending on the size of the board. Boards squares are pieced together and made from the finest woods available with mitered edges that are not beveled.
Benefits
The Russian jewel box chess sets allow for storage and maintenance of the game board and its pieces. The pedestal table style is a unique piece of furniture that adds beauty to any home and allows play to continue anytime. Wood is easy to maintain and holds a lustrous patina for years. Handcrafted by superior craftsmen, each set is just a tad different from another, unlike machine made sets.
Size
Russian chess boards come in 15" - 17.25" in size with the chess pieces produced to fit the scale of each board square on individual boards. For example, a 17.25" board would have a King that is 3.75" in height whereas a smaller board would have a smaller King.
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