Renaissance Chess Sets

Chess is a game of skill and logic between two people, but a chess set can be so much more. Chess sets are often used as a display and conversation piece, or to share the owner's personality. Renaissance chess sets bring a touch of class and charisma to your home or office.

The Renaissance loosely refers to Europe between the late 14th century and the 17th century. It began in Florence or elsewhere in Italy and spread over time. The word refers to rebirth and distinguishes a time where learning, artistry, and industry began to resurge after a centuries-long intellectual slump. It resparked the imagination.

The Renaissance continues to spark the imagination, as is obvious with Renaissance fairs and such throughout the world. Bring a bit of that excitement to your home or office with a chess set that captures the romance, imagination, and peculiar appeal of the time period.

What can be expected with any Renaissance chess set is ornate detail, with minute and intricate design. The pieces may be of hand- or laser-carved box and cherry wood, solid pewter, brass, or other metal, and are typically lacquered to preserve finish. Each may be finished as is or hand-painted in bright period coloring. Often, the sets come without a chessboard. Those with a matching board may also come with a box, such as a rustic, antiqued wood box with period-styled latches and corners.

Some of the more unique sets feature specific aspects of Renaissance life, such as the Landsknechts, the Italian mercenaries under the Holy Roman emperor, gypsies, or specific kings and their respective opponents, such as Henry VIII and Francis I.

The Renaissance was an amazing time, one that can be celebrated for generations with such beautiful and amazing chess sets.