Jan A. Votruba Boxwood Chess Set (Czechoslovakia, circa 1939-45)

Jan A. Votruba Boxwood Chess Set (Czechoslovakia, circa 1939-45) Votruba was a member of the national orchestra in Prague as well as an avid chess player. Through the duration of World War II he documented the 2714 hours it took him to carve this set. He chose to depict historically and culturally significant Bohemian and Moravian figures. Celebrating the 700th anniversary of his birth, on the brown side wearing golden crowns is King Charles IV (1316-1378, Holy Roman Emperor, born Wenceslaus) with Queen Blanche of Valois. Pawns with shields represent the Sternberk, Rozmberk, Talmberk, Svamberk, Trocnov, Polzice, Miletin, and Velhartice families. Bishops are from the towns of Kunstat and Boskovice. On the black side is the Hussite King George of Kunstat and Podebrady (1420-1471) with Queen Kunhuta of Sternberg. Pawns with shields represent the Selmberk, Cimburk, Roupov, Jenstejn, Pernstejn, Hodejov, Valejov, and Lichtenburk families. Bishops are from Hazmburk and Ricany. King is 11.5cm and Pawn 8cm high