Isle Of Lewis Scottish Terracotta Bishop Chess Piece
ÂŁ387 per item
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Item details
Height
18.0 cm
Width
9.5 cm
Depth
7.5 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
A very unusual Scottish terracotta figure of a Bishop chess piece based on a hoard found on the Isle of Lewis in 1831 and believed to date to the latter 19th or early 20th century. The chess piece portrays a seated bishop dressed in robes and mitre and holding a staff in one hand. He sits on a low back wide chair with incised scroll designs to the back and sides. The hollowed out figure is heavily and well made however is not marked.
The origin of the hoard, amounting to 78 chess pieces and discovered in the parish of Uig in the Outer Hebrides, remains unknown. The original pieces were carved in Walrus ivory and possibly originated from the cargo of a merchant ship wrecked on the shores of the island, subsequently hidden and not recovered.
The form and quality of carving has been attributed to either Britain or Scandinavia and said to date to the middle of the 12th century. The collection is held in the British Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Provenance: Acquired from the UK Art Market.
In good condition with surface age wear and discoloration.
Condition report:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Free collection available
Yes
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- Ships from Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
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However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.
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You can return your order if...
It isn't what you expected
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You change your mind
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It's damaged in transit
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Once the seller confirms they’ve received the item (in the same condition it was sent), we will send your refund to your original payment method.
All items are inspected on return. If the seller receives the return with damage they don’t recognise, we will not be able to process your refund and the seller may need to send the piece back to you. You will be required to cover these delivery costs.