Indonesian chessmen

In Indonesia, with its vivacious crafts background, lots of different types of chessmen are made - from tournament chessmen to carved marvels in the tropical woods this country is so rich in. Apart form the ubiquitious Balinese chessmen - popular gift for every visitor to the blessed island - there are numerous local styles on the main islands of Java and Sumatra.

Javan pocket set

Very small set from Java, whose old box proclaims an age of 60 to 70 years. Delicately carved in teak, and some darker wood, the two sides are a bit difficult to distinguish colourwise! Kings stands 51 mm

Javan Figurative

Large hardwood figurines, turned and carved in one piece - representing seemingly prince Rama and spouse from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Kings stand 120 mm.

Javan crafts

Small handcrafted set from Indonesia, most likely Java, in dark reddish wood. Kings (73 mm) and queens are a bit hard to distinguish - possibly made to order for European clients. Each pawn, actually all pieces differ slightly , which means it was turned freely, without a model or moldure.

Regency in Teak

Interesting set in massive teak?, an indonesian interpretation of the long-running Regency form - one side natural wood, the other side tinted black. The imposing knights can only be interpreted by somebody who has been there, and I suppose, seen some of the colourful festivals, shadow-theatre, popular designs etc. Kings stand 95 mm - when I received the set it was so dry it seemed to powderize in my hands. Motto: teak needs a lot of oiling and waxing.

Staunton style

Large pieces, which I thought to be from China at first - but the wood, the finish and the knight style point to Indonesia. King at 110 mm, not weighted - simple, robust, well balanced, and nicely varnished.

Balinese

Impeccably finished gargoyles, representing supposedly figures from the Ramayana epic - one can certainly make out the monley king, and various monsters. Hardwood, kings at 138 mm - a quite common souvenir from Bali, where these sets are made in workshops in standardized procedures. Usually sold in machine-carved folding boards with grips and legs! Very attractive to showcase.....spiky b......s to play with...

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