This reproduction is based upon the world famous Isle of Lewis chess set. This famous chess set is shrouded in mystery as its exact origins and details are unknown making it one of the most well known and loved ancient treasures of England. The pieces were found scattered upon a beach on the Scottish island of Lewis in the mid 19th century and now belong to the British Museum. The pieces are designed and made in the style of the early medieval period. The original set is carved to a very high standard from ivory and bone and is thought that it would have been made for Royalty or someone from the Aristocratic ruling classes. It is thought most likely that the pieces were hidden on the coast line of Lewis for reasons unknown hundreds of years ago and then forgotten about until rediscovered nearly two hundred years ago. The set would probably have been a gift from one King to another and is of Scandinavian or Norse descent. Our reproduction of this set has been produced from our own carved master patterns and then reproduced in a marble and onyx powder and resin mix to accurately replicate the ivory finish. Each piece is highly detailed with a true resemblance to the originals making them virtually indistinguishable from the original pieces. The opposing side to the whites are produced with a dark brown colour with two-toned effect to produce a natural colour that is most suitable to the design and characteristics of this set. The chessboard has also been produced exclusively for Oakapple Designs Ltd with our own motifs of medieval carvings incorporated into the design. The board incorporates motifs of Knights that are found at Lincoln Cathedral along with medieval motifs and symbols. The board has been designed to complement the Isle of Lewis pieces and again made to a very high standard full of rich detail. This product is also available in a bronze/silver finish.