An Ivory Chess Set: Everything You Need to Know
Exploring the timeless allure of ivory chess sets delves not only into their exquisite craftsmanship but also into the complex legal landscape surrounding them.
Ivory chess sets have a rich history, exuding elegance and prestige while captivating enthusiasts and collectors with their exquisite craftsmanship. On the other hand, some ivory chess sets are considered illegal in certain countries today.
What do you need to know? We're here to explain.
A Brief History of Ivory Chess Sets
The history of ivory chess dates back centuries, tracing its roots to the royal courts of medieval Europe and the Far East. Ivory was known for its beauty and workability and quickly became the material of choice for crafting luxury chess sets. One of its main purposes was to reflect the status and wealth of its owners.
Ivory chess sets experienced a surge in popularity during the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era. It was the period in which chess emerged as a fashionable pastime among the elite. Chess sets in that period usually had elaborate motifs, such as intricate figurines that represented historical or mythical characters. They became coveted possessions, primarily as works of art as well as game pieces.
Craftsmanship and Design
The craftsmanship of ivory chess sets is a testament to the skill and dedication of master artisans. They exhibit unparalleled attention to detail, whether crafted from elephant ivory or alternative materials that are more common today, such as mammoth ivory or synthetic substitutes. Most ivory chess sets also have a vintage design, which is another reason many people worldwide want them in their collections.
Each piece is often carefully sculpted, polished, and adorned with decorative elements. They usually range from traditional Staunton designs to thematic sets inspired by historical events, literature, or fantasy realms.
The Mammoth Ivory Collector Series Chess Set is a beautiful selection for those interested in ivory chess sets. It features pieces hand-carved by master artisans and provides an excellent feel due to the natural weight of ivory (no artificial weighting required).
Cultural Significance
Chess sets made from ivory hold a special place in various cultures around the world. They symbolize not only the game of chess itself, but also broader themes of intellect, strategy, and cultural heritage. In many societies, chess is considered to be more than just a game; it is a metaphor for life, reflecting the eternal struggle between opposing forces and the quest for mastery over oneself and one’s surroundings.
Did you know that, in Japan, ivory was traditionally used to create shogi sets, a variant of chess? These were highly esteemed and often passed down through generations.
In Africa, ivory chess sets served not only as recreational objects but also as cultural artifacts. They were used to preserve traditional craftsmanship and storytelling.
In medieval Europe, ivory chess sets were prized possessions of European nobility during the Middle Ages. Intricately carved pieces adorned with religious motifs showcased the artistic prowess of craftsmen while symbolizing wealth and status.
Collecting and Preservation
For collectors and enthusiasts, ivory chess sets today hold a special allure. They represent a convergence of art, history, and culture. Antique ivory sets are highly sought by collectors, with rare and well-preserved examples commanding significant prices on the market. These sets serve as tangible links to the past, preserving the craftsmanship and artistry of bygone eras.
However, the preservation of ivory chess sets presents unique challenges due to the delicate nature of the material. Ivory is susceptible to damage from temperature, humidity, and even exposure to light. That’s why collectors must take special care to protect their sets from environmental damage and ensure their longevity for future generations to enjoy.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable and ethical alternatives to ivory chess sets, which we’ll also mention. Artisans and manufacturers are exploring innovative materials such as recycled plastics, eco-friendly resins, and responsibly sourced woods to create sets that capture the essence of ivory without being a threat to endangered species.
Here are some useful tips to safeguard an ivory chess set:
- Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can cause ivory to yellow or even crack.
- Store an ivory set in an environment with stable humidity levels. Changes to humidity can lead to wrapping or cracking.
- Avoid dropping the pieces or subjecting them to impact.
- Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as insects or rodents. Store your ivory chess set in a sealed container and inspect it regularly for any indications of pest activity.
So Why is Ivory so Special Today?
Apart from being used for chess sets, it was also used in different forms of craftsmanship and art for centuries. Unfortunately, the main source of ivory is elephant tusks, meaning that animals have to be killed to obtain it.
Due to its unique appeal and the fact that it’s quite difficult to get, ivory became a symbol of luxury over time. People started to use it to produce a variety of luxury items, including chess sets.
However, the demand for ivory increased significantly over the years, which led to a decline in the elephant population. It started causing significant concerns on the worldwide level, which is one of the main reasons ivory is today hard to get.
The illegal ivory trade, however, still persists in some regions, driven by demand in certain markets for ivory products such as carvings and ornaments. Prices for illegal ivory can vary widely depending on factors such as quality, size, and market demand, but they can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars per kilogram on the black market.
Obtaining ivory legally is extremely challenging due to the stringent regulations in many countries. Most countries have banned the import, export, and sale of ivory, with limited exceptions for antique ivory that predates certain regulations and meets specific criteria. Even in cases where antique ivory may be legally obtained, proving its legality and authenticity can be complex and time-consuming.
Is It Legal to Trade Ivory?
Since elephants and several other endangered species are at risk of extinction, governments worldwide have put in place regulations to manage the ivory trade. Also known as CITES, Convection of International Trade in Endangered Species is one of the most significant agreements that was put to protect endangered species. The agreement highly prohibits the commercial trade of ivory, apart from certain exceptions for antique items and some pre-existing ones.
What Ivory Chess Sets are Legal to Trade?
Age is one of the main things to consider when it comes to the legality of ivory chess sets. In most countries, antique ivory items are legal to trade. It is mainly because the item is already existing and was made before a certain cutoff date.
However, keep in mind that there are various criteria for what makes a certain item antique. These can vary quite a lot depending on the laws of the specific region or country.
Ivory harvested before 1976 is legal to trade under certain jurisdictions that allow for the sale of antique ivory. These jurisdictions may include countries or regions with specific regulations and exemptions for pre-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) ivory. However, it's essential to note that regulations regarding the trade of pre-1976 ivory vary widely among different countries and regions.
For example, in the United States, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), ivory harvested before certain dates may be traded under specific conditions, such as demonstrating provenance and meeting certain criteria for antique status. Similarly, other countries may have their own laws and regulations governing the trade of antique ivory.
If you want to get a legal ivory chess set for your collection, you might be interested in our Mammoth Ivory Set. It is crafted from a 40.000-year-old Woolly Mammoth and captures the exquisite design and proportions of the original Staunton pattern chess set produced by Jaques of London in 1849. And it's perfectly legal and ethical to own!
Best Ivory Alternatives
If you don’t want to get an ivory chess set, there are some nice alternatives you can choose from. If you only care about aesthetics, there are a lot of amazing replicas made out of plastic and a wide array of handmade sets that feature unique designs with mesmerizing attention to detail.
There are also numerous bone chess sets and pieces on the market. It is the material usually sourced from camel bones, which is considered legal. Many other types of bones have also been used throughout the history.
Make sure to check out our Worthington Luxury Bone Chess Set, crafted out of the highest-quality camel bone. Moreover, you might also find our Bone Chess Pieces collection useful!
Determining the Value of Ivory Chess Sets
If you already possess an ivory chess set, you might be curious about its value. However, determining the actual value of an ivory chess set can be quite tricky. That’s why we highly recommend you take your set to a professional dealer of antique items for the most accurate answer.
One of the other factors that can impact the value of an ivory chess set is the type of ivory. Most ivory is harvested from mammoth tusks, but it is not always the case. Different types of ivory are sourced from the horns and tusks of different animals. There is also a type of ivory that comes from whale teeth!
Another important factor is detailing. While some sets are quite simple, some ivory sets are carved by hand. Also, many painted ivory chess sets are actually hand-painted. Since these types of sets are becoming antiques or heirlooms, their price easily goes up to thousands (or even tens of thousands) of dollars.
Final Words
Ivory chess sets occupy a unique place in the pantheon of board game collections. They combine exquisite craftsmanship with cultural significance and historical resonance. Although the use of ivory in chess sets may rightfully be in decline due to conservation and animal cruelty concerns, the legacy of these exquisite creations continues to inspire artisans, collectors, and players alike. It reminds us of the timeless beauty of the game of chess.
You might also be interested in our Mammoth Ivory Collector Series Luxury Chess Set. Make sure to check it out!