Long-Lost Lewis Chessman Rediscovered, Sold for £1 Million
A medieval walrus ivory warder (rook) from the Lewis Chessmen collection, dating back to approximately 1150-1200 CE, has been found after being lost for years. This piece was acquired by a Scottish antique dealer's heirs for around £5 and later auctioned at Sotheby’s for £1 million. Although it aligns perfectly with other known warders from the hoard, its surface appears darker due to separation. Discovered on the Isle of Lewis in 1831, the complete set consists of 93 pieces, believed to be of Scandinavian origin, likely from Norway or Iceland. The British Museum possesses 82 pieces, while the National Museum of Scotland has 11. The chessmen are famous for their expressive features, especially the berserkers biting their shields, with stylistic elements indicating they may have originated in Trondheim, Norway, or possibly Iceland, attributed to Margaret the Adroit.
Key facts
- A long-lost Lewis Chessman was rediscovered by heirs of a Scottish antique dealer.
- The dealer had purchased the piece for about £5.
- The chessman sold at Sotheby’s for £1 million.
- The piece is a warder (rook) with a sword and shield.
- It matches known warders but has a darker surface color.
- The Lewis Chessmen date from c. 1150-1200 CE.
- They were unearthed on the Isle of Lewis in 1831.
- The hoard comprises 93 pieces, nearly four complete sets.
- 82 pieces are at the British Museum, 11 at the National Museum of Scotland.
- The chessmen are of Scandinavian origin, likely Norwegian or Icelandic.
- Stylistic details point to Trondheim, Norway.
- Some scholars attribute them to Icelandic carver Margaret the Adroit.
Entities
Artists
- Margaret the Adroit
Institutions
- Sotheby's
- British Museum
- National Museum of Scotland
- St. Martin's Press
Locations
- Isle of Lewis
- Scotland
- Outer Hebrides
- Trondheim
- Norway
- Iceland
- London
- Edinburgh