This incredible chess set captures my image of chess in the dark ages. It is the result of several years' work to embody that vision. Unlike most sets, the pawns are the lifeblood of the design, and unlike virtually all other sets, the 16 pawns are unique works of art, elaborately detailed. They carry swords, maces, crossbows, lashes, and spears. One is throwing a rock. Two have dogs. The pawn above is an executioner. The four knights are magnificent works, with the one shown on the home page being my favorite. The set was showcased in a juried show of games and crafts at the Philadelphia Art Alliance. Below is a sampling of some of the pieces. Click any of the images to see an enlarged view of that piece.

The pieces are a little oversize by conventional chess set standards. Although pawns are about 2" tall and the queen 3", the knights need nearly 2" squares on the board. My vision for the board has always been silk fabric of gold and black, though to date only a prototype exists.

The pieces in the original set are gold-plated brass and bronze, with real crown jewelsk... solid 18 karat gold scepters for the kings and crowns for the queens, with red and blue sapphires. One team is bright gold, the other antiqued. The set can be custom-sculpted with you as the royal family.

To produce a set with the full crown jewels and 30 different castings described here is approximately $10,000. Alternatively, sets are available with only seven unique castings: king, queen, rook, bishop, knight, and different pawns for each side, for $5000.

By the way, the knight is The Olbermann Award.

To purchase this rare and special work of art, contact Jack Bellis, phone: (215) 836-9147 jackbellis@hotmail.com