Flag of IranEuropean Sculpture and Decorative ArtsChess Setsca. 1930

Chessmen (32) is a chess sets of Persian, Tehran origin created in ca. 1930 using wood measuring King: each, H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Pawn: each, H. 1 3/4… — now part of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumWood
DimensionsKing: each, H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Pawn: each, H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.); Only the tallest and shortest examples of chessmen measured for basic record.
ClassificationChess Sets
DepartmentEuropean Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Credit LineGift of Gustavus A. Pfeiffer, 1948
Dateca. 1930

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Persian, Tehran culture. The estimated date range is 1925 – 1935.

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Chessmen (32)?

Chessmen (32) is housed in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Chessmen (32) created?

Chessmen (32) dates to ca. 1930.

What material is Chessmen (32) made from?

Chessmen (32) is crafted from wood.

Is Chessmen (32) in the public domain?

Chessmen (32) is not in the public domain; rights and reproduction restrictions may apply.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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