Magical World (#9): Chessman from all around the globe

Most famous board game of the world

Everybody knows chess. The board with its 64 square fields, black and white. The king, the queen, the knights, the towers. But what I'm sure most people don't know (and even I found out only yesterday), is that chess can be a very colourful affair! Let me show you the lovely pieces of art I discovered in the Chessmen Museum in Rotterdam.

A place for playing chess, at the Chessmen Museum in Rotterdam

Chessmen Museum Rotterdam

I stumbled upon this location by surprise. As I was enjoying the architecture of the popular Cube Houses, I passed it by. I didn't go inside at the time. It was only when I came home and went through my pictures, I realised that a chessmen museum was probably an awesome place to go and take some pictures! As the place is on my (new) regular route into town, I visited a day later.

Ferocious ninja chessman

Favourite chessmen

The chessboard in these first few pictures was my favourite. Just look at the colour and detail and ferociousness of these Japanese chessmen! I've played my share of chess. But to be honest, I'm too impatient to play. I get bored before I've thoroughly considered all strategies and the consequences of my moves. I like to just do what my gut says will work best, which means I tend to lose, lol.

But imagine playing chess with this army! I think I'd feel way less bored and would have a much higher incentive to keep all of them alive as long as possible. Such beautiful work of art!

Just imagine you're sitting behind these, ready to play with this army. Chess is not so boring now, is it?

Chessmen from around the globe

The Japanese board was my favourite. But there were literally thousands of chessmen in the museum. From all around the globe. Most were sitting behind glass, which is understandable but also much less interesting for taking pictures. But sharing a few of the sets, to give you an impression of the variety.

With lama's

Cartoon figures chessmen

A set from Beieren, Germany

Beautiful set from China

My second favourite set. Left me with a Game of Thrones impression, with all the dragons and the red 'stone' set into the chessboard table.

General impression

If you're visiting the Cube Houses in Rotterdam, then don't miss popping in at this curious little museum. The chessmen are the private collection of Ridder Dijkshoorn, and even though the place could use some better lighting in the back areas, it is really fun to go and have a look.

Giving you an impression of the museum's setup. The girl to the left was taking the entree fee (2 euro's), and petting her bird which she takes along from home during working hours

If you have a closer look, you'll find some tributes to Dutch creators around the museum. A Vincent van Gogh poster, some books by Rotterdam's 15th century philosopher Erasmus, a chessboard with Piet Mondriaan design.

This board was brought in while I was visiting. Made of porcelain, very fragile but in great shape. Depicting the Romans and the Greeks, each with their mythological creatures.

Piet Mondriaan design

Thanks for your visit!

There were so many amazing boards and chessmen that I didn't include in this post. A visit will definitely be worth your while! But even if you don't make it there yourself, thanks for visiting this post and for your support. If you enjoyed reading, don't forget to follow for more posts of the Magical World series.

Final impression of the chessmen collection

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Magical World Series

This is post #9 in the Magical World Series. With these posts, I hope to add a little happiness and light-heartedness to your day. There is magic in every little corner of the world. And if we share it with each other, it does really brighten up the place!

Earlier posts in this series:

• The art we love, and how it can support us
• Streetart at Noordereiland, Rotterdam
• Visiting Villa Zebra, a museum for kids in Rotterdam

All content is created by me, and Steemit original.
Camera used: Canon G7X