Lewis Chessmen King – Hand-Carved Moose Antler Replica
Seated medieval chess king carved by hand after 12th–13th century Lewis Chessmen.
$175.00
This piece is a hand-carved replica of the Lewis Chessmen King, based on the medieval chess figures discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. The original chessmen are generally dated to the late 12th and early 13th centuries and are widely believed to have been produced in Norway, based on stylistic and material analysis.
The King is depicted seated, holding a sword laid horizontally across his knees. This pose is characteristic of the Lewis Chessmen and reflects medieval ideas of kingship centered on authority, restraint, and responsibility rather than action or movement. Decorative elements and proportions align with Romanesque sculptural traditions of the period.
The replica is carved entirely by hand from ethically sourced moose antler using traditional tools. Natural variations in the antler’s grain, tone, and surface texture are intentionally preserved, reflecting historically appropriate materials and ensuring that no two pieces are identical.
This chess piece is suitable for private collections, institutional displays, or as part of a complete Lewis Chessmen reproduction set. Algizrune Art maintains consistent scale and proportions across all figures and accepts commissions for full sets or related historical board game pieces.
Specifications
Material: Moose antler (ethically sourced)
Carving method: Fully hand-carved
Finish: Natural polish
Height: approx. 10 cm / 3.9 inches
Dispatched from: Poland
Made to order – production time up to 10 days
Institutional Context
Original Lewis Chessmen are held in major collections including the British Museum and the National Museum of Scotland. This replica is suitable for educational, curatorial, and research-oriented contexts requiring historically grounded reproductions.