Bidspirit auction | AN ISLAMIC CARVED ROCK CRYSTAL

AN ISLAMIC CARVED ROCK CRYSTAL KNIGHT CHESS PIECE, POSSIBLY FATIMID PERIOD. - An Islamic style carved rock crystal chess piece, modelled in the form of a horse's head to represent a knight. The piece is hand-carved from a single block of natural rock crystal, exhibiting a slight smoky or yellowish tint. The head is stylised with a characteristic strongly arched neck and an upright mane rendered through deeply incised parallel grooves. The facial features include pricked ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a rounded muzzle with indicated nostrils. The base is flat with rounded edges to allow for movement on a game board. H: Approximately 5.6cm