The Lewis chess pieces are much loved thanks in part to their iconic expressions and poses, however these are objects which were designed to be appreciated from all angles. After all, each player sees the backs of their own pieces.
The carver has really gone to town on the throne backs in particular, with entwined tendrils and knotwork that are really sumptuous compared to the simpler fronts. I'm delighted that visitors to the National Museum of Scotland will now have the chance to get to know these charming characters in the round.
#lewis-chessmen #national-museum-of-scotland #scottish-history #artisan-craftsmanship #norse-gaelic-kingdom
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