Bidspirit auction | A FATIMID STYLE CARVED ROCK

A FATIMID STYLE CARVED ROCK CRYSTAL CHESS PIECE. - An early Islamic style carved rock crystal gaming piece, identified as a pawn or baidaq. The object is fashioned from natural clear rock crystal and features a cylindrical form with a rounded dome and a flat base. The exterior is decorated with two distinct registers of carved ornamentation. The lower band contains a series of concentric circle motifs set within a geometric zigzag border. The upper domed section is deeply carved with scrolling foliate and palmette designs executed in the Abbasid bevelled style, characterised by flowing lines and slanted edges. H: Approximately 3.3cm