Description
Vintage Uzbek Folk Art Wooden Chessmen.
This large Vintage Uzbek Folk Art Chessmen, crafted in Uzbekistan around 1960. These turned chess pieces depict traditional Central Asian figures such as warriors, horsemen, and rulers in ethnic attire with intricate motifs including swirls, floral patterns, and symbolic elements. Pieces are turned from hardwood, lightly weighted for stability, and fitted with dark brown suede base pads. All details lie arms, shields, etc. are hand painted rather than carved. The White army uses a cream base color with red accents. The opposing army employs black with green and gold accents and brown bases. Chessmen heights range from approximately 3 inches (pawns) to 5-7/8 inches (Kings) The pawns are helmeted soldiers, rooks as striped towers, knights as horse-headed figures, bishops as armored warriors, queens as veiled females, and kings as turbaned males. These Uzbek Folk Art Chessmen likely originated in Uzbekistan, likely mid-to-late 20th century.
The chessboard shown is not included. but a suitable chessboard can be found here. These are often referred to as “Toy Sets”. There are a number of related designs, and prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The chessmen are in excellent condition.
