Where Kings and Commoners Meet: The Global Cultural History Behind the Judaica Suite’s Chess Sets

Abstract

This article celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Judaica Suite by introducing readers to the Suite's magnificent chess sets. The chess collection is fascinating both in terms of its individual pieces, and in the way it represents the long, multifaceted and multicultural history of the game of chess. Each chess set in the Judaica Suite is a unique work of art: from the resplendent silver and gold figures of 19^th century German nobility to striking representations of the Buddha carved in jade. Thus, the chess pieces represent various interpretations of the game around the world. Nevertheless, despite these multiple cultural, societal and political contexts, the game itself has served as a bridge between cultures and a meeting place between commoners and kings.