Vintage West African Ashanti Lost-Wax Cast Metal Chess Set with Fitted Presentation Case (c. 1960s–1970s)

Name: Vintage West African Ashanti Lost-Wax Cast Metal Chess Set with Fitted Presentation Case (c. 1960s–1970s)
Brand: Cambridge Chess Forum
Price: 350.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£350.00 GBP

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A striking mid-century figural chess set handcrafted in West Africa using the traditional lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue), a centuries-old metalworking art closely tied to Akan and Ashanti gold weights. Because each piece is cast from an individual hand-sculpted wax mould that is melted away during production, no two figures in this set are entirely identical.

The two armies face off in rich, contrasting finishes—one in dark-patinated metal accented with vivid yellow and red robes, and the opposing side in warm, natural golden brass detailed in red, blue, and white cold paint.

Note that the board is for display only and is NOT included

Design & Craftsmanship

Royalty & Nobles: Expressive tribal chiefs and court figures dressed in traditional patterned garments and ceremonial headgear.
Knights: Dynamic mounted warriors poised on rearing horses.
Rooks: Sculpted as traditional round huts with distinctive striped conical roofs.
Pawns: Warriors standing at the ready with spears and geometric painted shields.
Case: This set is housed in its original woven grasscloth presentation box, complete with individual red-velvet-lined compartments for all 32 pieces.
Specifications
- Origin: West Africa (Ghana / Burkina Faso)
- Era: Circa 1960s–1970s
- Material: Lost-wax cast brass/bronze with hand-painted details;
- King: King is 2.75 inches tall
- Weight: The set weighs 2.5kg