A striking and very early turquoise glazed ceramic chess piece as a stylised rook. The classical Islamic notched or V-cut top above scrolling motifs to the body.
Details
The rook is one of the most distinctive pieces of the abstract Islamic chess set. It is usually of square section with a deep V-shaped cut forming two pointed horns or wings. It has been suggested that this shape derives from the 'notches' on war chariots to accommodate archers but it is very unlikely that it is the representation of battlements or tower that the modern piece has acquired. The name is enigmatic with the Persian word 'ruhk' having many other meanings none of which relates to the shape of the piece. However, it has been postulated that it is a corruption of the Sanskrit word 'ratha' , or chariot.
Provenance: Private European Collector
Example: See Cat. 54 Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait.
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