SRI LANKA (CEYLON) STYLE CHESS SET

EARLY 1800's STYLE

BURMESE SITTUYIN DESIGN

This pattern of chessmen dates from the early 1800's, in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. The ancient great island of Ceylon shares a strong cultural bond with Burma through a common Theravada Buddhist tradition, extending to a shared traditional design of chessmen. The influences of Buddhism and Burmese Chess ( sittuyin ) are both evident in this elaborately detailed set.

AN ANCIENT CHESS TRADITION

This chess style carries on a thousand year old tradition, originating in India. The king and his adviser (queen in our chess) are meditative Buddhist leaders. The bishop is depicted as an elephant, the horse as a knight, and the rook as a temple. The pawns, usually shown as foot soldiers, are shown here as an elaborated pine-cone shaped relics. While the old style Burmese/Ceylonese tradition presents these pieces as natural figures carved in block form, the pieces here are tall and rounded, requiring even the Elephant and horse to sit upright in proper meditative position.

BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUED WHITE AND LAPIS LAZULI FINISH

The king stands a proud 4 3/4 inches tall.

The pieces are cast of Hydrostone, one of the strongest available casting materials.

Finished, as shown here, in an ivory and lapis lazuli coloring, the pieces have the look and feel of precious ivory and gemstone.

CHESS BOARD NOT INCLUDED

Please note that there is no chessboard included with this set. It is recommended for a board with 2 to 2.25 inch squares.

Shipping, etc...

Please allow up to ten business days for shipping to U.S. or Canada.International buyers, please see the shipping rate listed below. 

FULL SET OF 32 HAND MADE CHESSMEN

The king here stands 4 inches tall.
It is recommended that these chessmen be played on a board of about 1ž to 2ź inch squares. (Note, chessboard not included. See our other listings for great boards.)

INDIVIDUALLY CRAFTED WITH THE GREATEST CARE

These chessmen are made entirely by hand, individually molded and finished, giving them a care and quality unattainable in factory-produced chessmen.
They are made of Hydrostone - the best casting material for figurines and chessmen, permeated with fiber reinforcement.
Additional reinforcement is added with metal substructure when needed for maximum strength.

CHESSMEN ONLY, BOARD NOT INCLUDED

Please note that the board shown here is for demonstration only. You will want to use these chessmen on your own chessboard, or select one from the excellent choices in our eBay Store!

Shipping, etc...

Please allow 3 to 10 business days for shipping. If arrival time is especially important, please contact us -- we always like to accommodate our fellow chess lovers!

Note: Chess Board Not Include