- Ivory Regence -
This is a French-African Regency set probably from the 20th century, another case of French occupation influencing the style of local chess sets. White pieces are carved from elephant Ivory. Black pieces are carved from some kind of horn. I say 'carved,' not 'turned,' because these pieces were clearly not turned on a lathe. One of the strong points of the Regence design that made it incredibly successful was the ease at which it turned on the lathe. This design was made for the lathe, made to be easily turned. For this reason it strikes me as odd and wonderful to see this somewhat irregular and quintessentially African take on the design which was probably created by hand filing the pieces into shape. I am a fan of Tim Burton's films and artwork. There is something very much like his style going on here. One realizes immediately upon looking at these pieces that they 'should' be symmetrical. They 'should' be more regular. But they are not. They are an artist's sketch, not a photograph. The carver's hand shows up in these pieces in a way that does not show with turned work.
I came across this set on eBay poorly photographed and advertised and took a chance. I got it for pennies. It is my only ivory set, and I do have mixed moral issues with owning ivory. But I love this set.
White bishop.
But what is that black knight *thinking*?
I photographed this French designed set in quite a few French Defense opening positions.
I find the McCutcheon line particularly photogenic, as well as fun to play.
"Hold it right there, knight; this is a stickup. One move and your king gets it!"
Royal ivory towers.
Black horn royalty. I know it's out of focus, but I still like this shot quite a bit and I think it compliments the last one well.
The little pawn move.
No, I didn't take one of these of *every* set. But here's *another* overly-dramatic backlit shot. Is it getting old yet?
Lights shines through one of the horn knights.
Note the rhyming finials on queen bishop and pawn.
Yes folks that's real ivory, for what it's worth.