Six chess and other gaming pieces, Egypt and Persia, 9th-12th century

comprising six pieces composed of bone, ivory and clay, of varying shapes, with carved or incised decoration, the clay piece with a loose piece inside

Ex-Collection Lothar Schmid (1928-2013)

The two ivory, fluted pieces published in:
W. Seipel, Spielwelten der Kunst. Kunstkammer spiele (exh. cat.), Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 21 May - 2 August, 1998, pp.113-4, no.42.
J. Petzold, Das königliche Spiel. Die Kulturgeschichte des Schachs, Stuttgart – Leipzig 1987, no.5.
Ausst.-Kat. Zug der Könige. Schachfiguren und Spiele aus vier Jahrhunderten, Munich, 1988a, no.23.

The tallest, bone piece with break to finial at top (loose), crack along one side, minor chips and encrustations, old collection label to underside, the finely ribbed ivory chess piece (second tallest) with hairline cracks, some discoloration, the ivory chess piece with incised horizontal lines with scratches to surface, minor knicks and discoloration, the clay piece with some abrasion to surface and small knicks, the two ivory domed and incised pieces also discoloured, with some ware to external edges, as viewed. all wear on each piece consistent with age and use, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a discussion of chess and other medieval gaming pieces found at Fustat, see A. Contadini, 'Islamic Ivory Chess Pieces, Draughtsmen & Dice', in James Allan (ed.), Islamic Art in the Ashmolean Museum, vol.X, Part One, Oxford, 1995, pp.111-154. See also, C. Wilkinson, Chess: East and West, Past and Present, a selection from the Gustav A. Pfeiffer Collection, New York, 1968.

A comparable group of chess pieces was sold in these rooms, 9 October 2013, lot 101.