Medieval Chess Problem

Description

This medieval chess hex tile reproduces a page from a late 14th century French manuscript, showing a chess problem laid out in gold leaf and tempera colors, with handwritten text below explaining the puzzle.

The board itself is painted in alternating black and cream squares outlined in gold, with red and gold pieces scattered across it in mid-game positions. Manuscripts like this weren’t just entertainment. Chess problem collections were serious intellectual material in medieval Europe, copied and studied the way puzzle books are today. The flowing script below the board, complete with an illuminated initial letter in blue and red, explains the specific problem the reader is meant to solve.

I wanted this piece in the collection because chess has such a long, layered history, and it’s rare to see that history presented this beautifully instead of as a dry historical footnote.

This tile is a strong pick for a chess player’s space, a game room, or a study built around strategy and history. It’s an easy gift for anyone serious about chess or medieval manuscripts. Add one of my hexagon frames to finish it out.

Available from 1.5 inches up to 18 inches.