Glass Chess Sets

The first glass chess pieces were made in the ninthThe glass used to build these chess sets varies
century in what was then known as the Islamic Empire.greatly. Some are made of fragile, hollow blown glass
The first glass chess pieces in their modern formswhile others are constructed with more durable solid
were made in Italy in the 19th century. It is most likelyglass. Frosted glass is good because it comes in a
that these early glass chess sets were used forwide variety of colors, including white, blue, black, and
decoration rather than play. Many famous glassred. Clear glass chess pieces make excellent
companies made decorative glass chess sets throughdecoration and are good for play when coupled with
the twentieth century. Glass chess sets now come inpieces of a different color.
many forms and have become a popular medium forFor people who want to play a more raucous game
artists to demonstrate their talents, from creatingof chess, shot glass chess sets are available. Each
traditional chess pieces to pieces representing thechess piece has a shot glass built into it. These sets
buildings in the New York City skyline.come with instructions for variations on the normal
Glass chess sets can also come with a variety ofrules of chess. Opponents have to drink whatever
chessboards. Some of the chessboards are made oftype of liquor is contained in the shot glass portion
traditional wood, while others are made of glass orwhen their piece is taken by the opponent.
have a mirror finish. The glass chess sets with mirrorAlthough glass chess sets started off as decorative
chessboards can look particularly stunning. Some ofpieces of art, many of them are used for play now.
the wooden boards have storage compartmentsDifferent types of glass in different colors can give the
under the board where the glass pieces can begame a unique look.
stowed.