What makes this large ceramic chess set unusual is its artistic portrayal of the Middle East conflict. Arrayed against the forces of the West are burkha clad Islamic extremists. Look closely -- all those pieces look the same. The challenge playing for or against the Islamic extremist side is to remember which piece is which -- like in the real conflict.
Besides the ominous, dark pieces of the Islamic extremist side, the play on art continues to the other side, with the stack of gold coins representing cash-is-king and the Statue of Liberty as queen.
The Game at Hand does not reflect an opinion for or against the War in Iraq, but is art with symbols and poignancy to compel the viewer to think and feel. For another look at chess and such conflicts, take a peek at our King Alphonse poster.
Each ceramic figure is hand made one at a time by the artistic duo of Debbie and Larry Kline. They make the chessboard by hand, too, with its 5" squares.
The Islamic extremist side
Cash is king
Queen
Pawn
Pentagon rook
White House rook
Rabbi Bishop
Pope Bishop
Tank Knight
Jet Plane Knight
The Game at Hand chess set was featured at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 US Chess Championships.