Gameboard
late 17th or early 18th century
Object PlaceDanzig, Germany
Medium/TechniqueAmber, gold foils, wood
Dimensions37 x 37 cm (14 9/16 x 14 9/16 x 1.6 in.)
Credit LineBequest of William Arnold Buffum
Accession number02.205a
On View
On viewClassificationsTools and equipment
Collections
This is not your everyday checker board. Working in precious amber, the maker exploited the material’s natural properties to differentiate opposing sides: opaque vs. translucent. Such sets were popular among Europe’s nobility and were often presented as diplomatic gifts by the dukes of Prussia. England’s King Charles I brought his amber game board and pieces to his execution in 1649.
Provenance1902, bequest of William Arnold Buffum to the MFA.17th century
Possibly 17th century
late 17th or early 18th century
late 17th or early 18th century
about 1878
late 17th or early 18th century
late 17th or early 18th century
late 17th or early 18th century
2040–1060 B.C.
Shared History/Shared History