Chess Piece, Pawn

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of medieval Islamic leisure with this delicate earthenware pawn, crafted by an unknown artist between the 8th and 11th centuries. Standing just 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) tall, this unglazed gaming piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art collection exemplifies the modest yet masterful pottery of the early Islamic era. Made from simple earthenware—fired clay without decorative glazes—it reflects everyday artisanal techniques, likely hand-molded or wheel-thrown, prioritizing functionality over ornamentation. Chess, known as *shatranj* in the Islamic world, origina...