The Dal Rossi Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces bring one of the most iconic stories in chess history to life. These detailed Polyresin themed pieces are inspired by the famous medieval Isle of Lewis chessmen, known for their expressive faces and sculptural character. With their distinctive medieval styling, this set adds personality and historical depth to any board.
Each piece is carefully moulded from durable Polyresin, offering the look of carved stone while remaining practical for everyday play. The King stands at 85mm, giving the set a strong presence without overwhelming the board. Whether used for regular games or as a decorative feature, these pieces naturally become a conversation starter.
The Isle of Lewis Chess Set History: On a fateful day in 1831 a resident of the Isle of Lewis discovered that a sand bank had collapsed, revealing a large chest of buried treasure. Inside the chest were ninety-three carved chess pieces that are today known as the Isle of Lewis chessmen. The haul contained what are believed to be pieces from five different chess sets – sixteen kings & queens, fifteen bishops, fifteen knights on horseback, twelve castles and nineteen pawns. One of the most loved quirks of these pieces are the expressions on the faces of the characters – the queens, knights and rooks have almost comical looks on their faces. It is thought that these amazing pieces were hand carved in Norway from whales’ teeth and walrus ivory around 1150 AD and remained buried for hundreds of years after they were either lost or hidden. Some have speculated that the pieces may have been lost whilst sailing from Norway to Viking settlements in Ireland.
The pieces are shown styled on various Dal Rossi 50cm boards for reference. Please note that the chessboard is not included.
| Chess Pieces | |
| King Height | 85mm |
| King Base | 45mm x 30mm |
| Recommended Board Size | 50–60cm |
This set is perfect for anyone who wants their chess pieces to tell a story. The medieval design, expressive faces, and historical inspiration give these pieces strong character and heritage appeal. They offer the charm of ancient craftsmanship in a durable, practical material suited for modern play.
*This product includes chess pieces only. Chessboard shown in photos is not included.