DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
The Chess Variant Forum
HTML https://chessvariantforum.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Chess History
*****************************************************
#Post#: 88--------------------------------------------------
On exhibit - Rare 1735 gaming table with interesting history
By: chilipepper Date: January 15, 2018, 6:29 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
This gaming table with chess board and chessmen is in immaculate
condition and has a rich and well documented lineage. It was
constructed in Mainz, Germany, and required nearly two years to
construct being completed in the year 1735.
It can be viewed here, and is also featured at the following
website:
[attach=1]
(photo credit: Q. Pisano)
HTML https://www.flickr.com/photos/147202588@N02/38536727085/
The black squares are constructed of Palisander (a type of
Rosewood). Prior to being set into the board, each wood square
was dipped into a marble cup with blood of an Aurochs bull (now
extinct) to enhance and produce a richer color. The white
squares are constructed from the ivory of the tusk of a wooly
mammoth. Prior to setting the white ivory squares, each piece
was dipped into a silver chalice filled with the blood of a
Great auk (now extinct) to enhance the appearance and richness
of the ivory. After the board and table were completed, it was
allowed to set for approximately two weeks in a dry chamber with
smoke and incense to ensure a snug fit of all the individual
components, and enhance the wood and ivory's patina.
The smoke was created by burning charcoal from Latvian Oak
trees, and the desiccated bodies of two corpses laid upon the
flames. One corpse was the body of viceroy Karl Theodor Dalberg,
and the other was viceroy Maximilian Christof von Rodt - these
men were former adversaries in a feud over some valuable land
situated near the west bank of the river Rhine, and died in a
sword battle in the center of Mainz, Germany. The smoke created
by burning the desiccated bodies produced a rich fragrance which
is now imbued into the wood, and symbolizes the "eternal
gamesmanship" which was expected to be played upon this rare
piece of furniture. Whether these events actually happened or
not is left for its owners and chess players to decide. But the
table does exist, and is currently on display at the Cleveland
Museum of Art.
To see this table, it can be viewed at the Cleveland Museum of
Art (11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106). :)
#Post#: 113--------------------------------------------------
Re: On exhibit - Rare 1735 gaming table with interesting history
By: Asher Hurowitz Date: January 17, 2018, 1:29 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Neat! I have never seen so many strange stories attached to a
board game table like that!
#Post#: 951--------------------------------------------------
Re: On exhibit - Rare 1735 gaming table with interesting history
By: ubersketch Date: November 18, 2018, 3:02 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I question the validity of the fact that it was made with the
blood of several extinct mammals since wooly mammoths died out
at 1650 (although ivory from wooly mammoths still existed and
were probably used), and aurochs went extinct in Europe in 1627,
so it's unlikely any blood was available.
*****************************************************