Bidspirit auction | AN ISLAMIC FATIMID STYLE ROCK

AN ISLAMIC FATIMID STYLE ROCK CRYSTAL CHESS PIECE, POSSIBLY A ROOK, POSSIBLY 10TH–12TH CENTURY. - An Islamic carved rock crystal chess piece, likely representing a rook, attributed to the Fatimid period. The piece is carved from translucent rock crystal and formed with a block-like body rising to two rounded lobes at the top, creating a distinctive crenellated silhouette associated with early Islamic chess rooks. The front and sides are decorated with finely incised symmetrical ornamentation, including scrolling vegetal motifs, curved lines, and stylised palmette forms. The decorative carving is arranged in a balanced composition, with a central leaf-like motif flanked by curling scrolls and radiating linear patterns. The upper lobes are further embellished with spiral and foliate detailing. H: Approximately 5.2cm L: Approximately 5.5cm