The Conservation Center was recently entrusted to conserve a remarkable set of carved chess pieces, each distinguished by its intricate puzzle-ball finial base and finely detailed figures. These pieces are not only functional objects but also extraordinary works of craftsmanship that reflect a long tradition of skilled artistry and global appreciation for the game of chess.
Watch a video of the process below, and then scroll to learn more:
Chess, with origins tracing back over a thousand years, has inspired countless interpretations of its figures across cultures; medieval examples such as the famed Lewis Chessmen highlight how deeply symbolic and prized carved game pieces have been throughout history. By the 18th and 19th centuries, puzzle-ball chess sets became coveted collector’s items, particularly in Europe, where their complexity and craftsmanship fascinated connoisseurs. Puzzle-balls, composed of multiple concentric spheres carved from a single block, were celebrated as marvels of technical mastery, their freely rotating layers defying imagination.
When the set arrived at the lab, the chessmen exhibited various conditions typical of age and prior handling. Some figures had broken or missing elements, including arms, shields, and crucifixes. In other cases, bases and finials were detached or unstable, with adhesive residues and even silicone caulk indicating past attempts at repair. Surfaces exhibited dust, wax accretions, and small abrasions, though the dark glaze remained largely intact.
Treatment was carried out by Josh McCauley, our senior conservator of objects, and Anastasiia Begunova, our assistant objects conservator, with care to both stabilize the structures themselves and reintegrate losses. Each piece was documented before and after treatment, and surfaces were cleaned using dry and solvent-based methods depending on the specific condition. Old adhesive residues were carefully removed, and elements such as horses and bases were re-secured with reversible conservation-grade resins. Where losses occurred, missing components were recreated using casts or carvings, then inpainted to harmonize with the existing surface and glaze. These reversible and sympathetic interventions ensured that the repairs blended seamlessly while remaining distinguishable upon close examination.
Before and after treatment:
Through this conservation process, the chessmen have regained both their stability and their visual cohesion. These puzzle-ball figures remain a testament to extraordinary technical mastery, now safeguarded for the next chapter in their long history.
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