Two stone gaming pieces, Central or South Asia, 9th-12th century

both carved in the form of stupas, with bell-shaped body on a short platform leading to a rounded dome with circular finial 

Ex-Collection Lothar Schmid (1928-2013)

The large piece with some abrasion and scratches to surface, minor chips along edges; the smaller piece also with some abrasion and scratches to surface, notably underside, minor chips on surface, scratches to underside, 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."

These two stone chess pieces are reminiscent of the ‘stupa’, the emblematic Buddhist architectural form marking the skyline of South Asia. Whereas early texts refer to stupa shrines being erected over the scattered remains of the Buddha, their characteristic form has been re-interpreted and adapted on multiple architectural monuments. No other known examples of this form are known in chess pieces, their attribution being a stylistic one.