Chess Piece Manufacturer, The House of Staunton, Breaks down the Origin of Chessmen
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Oct. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The history of chess pieces is as fascinating as the game. Sharing their love for chess, The House of Staunton provides insights into the appearance and evolution of chessmen.
The true game of chess and its pieces originated sometimes after 600 A.D. in India or China. Though, the theory on the origin of chess is debated, the game and its pieces share a rich and exciting history.
Since the game's conception, its pieces have changed names and shapes. The spread of chess across India, Persia, and eventually Europe, produced variations in how chess pieces were depicted. For example, in heavily Christian areas, chess pieces tended to resemble men, and occasionally, animals. By the mid-12th century, chess pieces took on the shape of kings, queens, bishops, knights and men at arms. The material used to make chess pieces also changed from area-to-area, with ivory, a beloved chess material, appearing in North West Europe.
Chess pieces continued to evolve with time as players enjoyed the game. However, in 1849, the evolution of chessmen changed significantly. It was in this year that the original Staunton chessmen appeared. Since 1849, all serious and sanctioned games of chess have been played with chessmen of Staunton design. Registered in 1849 by Nathanial Cooke, the chessmen inherited the sir name of England's leading player, Howard Staunton.
Today, The House of Staunton continues to manufacture and distribute chessmen of exceptional craftsmanship and design. Their chess pieces pay homage to significant historical events, cultures, and peoples. For instance, their Lewis chessmen are replicas of the originals discovered off the coast of Scotland. The original Lewis chessmen, now on display at the British Museum of London, are thought to be the first complete surviving set of medieval chessmen.
What the future holds for the history of chessmen remains an exciting mystery for all that love to play the game.
About The House of Staunton: The House of Staunton is an American locally owned and operated small business. For over 27 years, they have manufactured the world's finest chess equipment. They sell a wide variety of chess sets, chess boards and chess boxes, and are the equipment provider for top chess tournaments worldwide. Their chess sets are featured in numerous movies and television shows as well as on book covers and in print ads.
Media Contact: Shawn P. Sullivan, The House of Staunton, Inc., 256.858.8070, [email protected]
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SOURCE The House of Staunton, Inc.
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