Chess and other games pieces from Islamic lands / Deborah Freeman.

Among the many treasures of The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, are hundreds of games pieces dating from the seventh to the nineteenth century CE. Intricately crafted in a rich variety of materials, including ivory, wood, ceramic, glass, jade, and agate, these tiny objects not only mark the evolution of familiar games into their modern forms, but also evoke the imperial palaces, military camps, and herders? tents in which they were played over many centuries.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 332-337) and index.

pt. 1. Early development of chess and backgammon pieces. Chess and backgammon in the Iranian world ; Catalogue Section A. Figural chessmen -- pt. 2. Abstract chessmen, backgammon and other games pieces. Nishapur and early Islamic games pieces ; Catalogue Section B. Ivory and bone ; Catalogue Section C. Wood and jet ; Catalogue Section D. Ceramic ; Catalogue Section E. Stone ; Catalogue Section F. Rock crystal and other hardstones ; Catalogue Section G. Glass ; Catalogue Section H. Other games and related items -- pt. 3. Chess and other games pieces in museum and private collections.