Black & White Antique Marble Chess Set — 15-Inch | Medieval Figurative Style

This set includes 33 items total: one 15 × 15-inch natural marble chess board with an attached felt base, 32 hand-carved antique-finish marble chess figures — 16 in black marble and 16 in white marble (2 Kings, 2 Queens, 4 Bishops, 4 Knights, 4 Rooks, and 16 Pawns) — one free storage box, individual felt bottoms for all 32 figures, and RADICALn branded secure fragile packaging. The figures are carved in medieval figurative style, not standard Staunton form.

Two fundamental differences distinguish the antique set from our standard chess sets. First, piece style: the antique set uses medieval figurative forms — historically-inspired human and animal figures (robed kings and queens, ecclesiastical bishops, mounted knight forms, castle guardian rooks, warrior pawns) rather than the abstract geometric shapes of standard Staunton pieces. Second, finish: after carving and polishing, each figure is hand-distressed to create an aged surface texture that gives the set the appearance of a historical artefact. The standard sets have a smooth, high-polish finish throughout. Both sets use genuine natural marble and include a storage box.

The board measures 15 × 15 inches (38 × 38 cm). Figure heights are: King — 3.75 inches (the tallest piece in the RADICALn collection), Queen — 3.25 inches, Bishop — 2.5 inches, Knight — 2.75 inches, Rook — 2.5 inches, Pawn — 2.25 inches. The complete set weighs approximately 10.5 lbs. The figures are compatible with standard 15 to 18-inch chess boards.

Medieval figurative style — not standard Staunton. Staunton pieces (the internationally standardised chess piece design used in competitive play since 1849) are abstract geometric shapes. The antique collection uses historically-inspired figurative forms where each piece type is represented as a distinct human or animal character. The kings and queens are seated or standing robed figures, the bishops have ecclesiastical character, the knights show horse and rider forms, the rooks are guardian figures, and the pawns are standing warrior forms. The pieces are fully functional for chess play — every type is immediately identifiable — but they reward close examination as carved historical figures rather than functional game tokens.

The RADICALn antique collection draws on the same broad tradition of medieval figurative chess sets that includes the Isle of Lewis chessmen — the famous 12th-century carved ivory and whalebone pieces discovered on the Scottish island of Lewis, now held in the British Museum and National Museum of Scotland. While the RADICALn antique figures are original carved designs in natural marble rather than replicas of the Lewis pieces, they share the same figurative approach to piece design: each piece type as a distinct historical character rather than an abstract geometric form. For buyers who appreciate the Isle of Lewis chessmen, this set occupies a similar design philosophy in natural stone at a much more accessible price point.

The antique finish is a hand-distressing process applied to each figure after the initial hand-carving and hand-polishing stages. It involves controlled surface treatment — carefully applied to create the appearance of aged wear and handling without compromising the structural integrity of the marble. The result is a surface texture on each figure that looks and feels as though the set has been owned, handled, and displayed over many years. The antique finish is permanent and intentional — do not attempt to polish it away. It will develop a natural warmth with regular handling over time.

Yes. The Black & White Antique Marble Chess Set includes a free storage box at no extra cost. The storage box holds the board and all 32 figures securely and serves as complete gifting presentation packaging — no additional wrapping is required. The storage box is included with all RADICALn antique sets.

Yes. Despite their medieval figurative appearance, the figures are carved to unambiguously represent each chess piece type — every figure is immediately identifiable during play. The 15-inch board provides comfortable playing space, the natural marble weight keeps the board stable, and the felt-bottomed figures sit cleanly on the polished board surface. Many buyers use the antique set for regular games as well as permanent display. Note that the medieval figurative figures are slightly taller than our standard sets (King at 3.75 inches vs 3.5 inches in the standard collection), which some players find more comfortable to handle.

The antique marble chess set in black and white works especially well in dark academia interiors (leather, dark wood, books, stone — this is the natural home of medieval figurative objects), gothic and medieval-inspired spaces, library and study rooms with historical objects, traditional English and Scottish heritage interiors, maximalist rooms with layers of historical and natural materials, and collector-focused spaces where each displayed object has a story. It also works in contemporary interiors that incorporate one or two strong historical anchor pieces for contrast and depth.

The Black & White Antique Marble Chess Set is one of the most targeted Father's Day gifts available for a chess-playing father who is also interested in medieval history, historical artefacts, or natural stone objects. The medieval figurative pieces give the gift a specific narrative — the Isle of Lewis design tradition, the antique craft process, the genuine marble material — that makes it a gift the recipient can talk about and explain. The storage box makes it presentation-ready. At $171.35 it is a premium but not extravagant Father's Day gift.

Yes. The antique marble chess set is one of the most natural Christmas gifts for someone with dark academia, gothic, medieval, or historical interests. The black and white antique aesthetic aligns well with the deep winter atmosphere of the Christmas season. The storage box eliminates additional wrapping, and the $171.35 price point sits firmly in the premium holiday gift range. For dark academia enthusiasts specifically — this is the chess set that belongs in that aesthetic by design, not by coincidence.

Both sets use the same medieval figurative piece style and hand-distressed antique finish. The Black & White Antique set ($171.35) uses natural black and white marble — the classic, highest-contrast combination. The White & Green Antique set ($214.90) uses white marble and rare green onyx — the rarest stone variety in the RADICALn collection — making it the premium choice for collectors who want both the medieval figurative style and the rarest stone. For buyers who want the antique style at the most accessible price, the Black & White Antique is the starting point. For buyers who want the most premium antique set we make, the White & Green is the answer.

Yes. RADICALn offers a piece replacement service for the antique collection. If an antique-finish figure is chipped or damaged, contact our customer service team. We will source a matching antique-finish replacement from the same black or white marble variety. Because the antique distressing is applied by hand to each figure individually, a replacement figure may have a slightly different distressing pattern — but it will be the same marble, the same medieval figurative form, and the same antique finish.

Wipe figures with a slightly damp soft cloth and dry immediately. Never use acid-based cleaners (vinegar, lemon juice, bleach) or abrasive cloths — these damage both the marble and the antique surface treatment. The hand-distressed finish is intentional and permanent — do not attempt to polish or buff it smooth. The finish will develop natural warmth with regular handling over time, which enhances the aged character of the set. Store figures in the included storage box or in soft cloth bags between uses.

All RADICALn marble chess sets ship free to US addresses. Handling time is 1 to 2 business days; transit time is 3 to 7 business days — total estimated delivery is 4 to 9 business days. The set ships in RADICALn branded secure fragile packaging. RADICALn offers a 30-day return policy — returns are free and accepted by mail for any reason.

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