Chess Rook

Description In medieval Scandinavia, the chess rook took the form of a watchman with his back to a fence instead of a medieval castle watchtower. In this example, the watchman blows his horn to signal trouble, holds a sword, and is accompanied at either side by two smaller military figures with shields. It bears the signature "H" on its base. Six other examples from the same workshop have survived, including a king, a queen and three rooks, now in collections in Paris (Musée National du Moyen Age), London (British Museum), and Copenhagen (Royal Collection).

Provenance [Found in London, on the edge of the Thames at Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, 1962]; Sale, London, Sotheby's, April 9, 1973, lot 14; Mrs. John Hunt, Dublin, Ireland; Walters Art Museum, 1977, by purchase with gifts donated to the Ross fund.

Inscriptions [Signature] Inscribed on base: H

Credit Museum purchase with gifts donated to the Ross Fund in memory of Marvin C. Ross, 1977