The Şahî Set: Regency Philidor Pawn
The spread of coffee and cafés intertwines with the evolution of chess. The Régence-Philidor pawn is inspired by the authentic chess set from Paris-Régence café during the Age of Enlightenment and the famous phrase by the era’s strongest player, Philidor: “Pawns are the soul of chess.T
The pawn structure is one of the most critical criteria determining the flow of a chess game, and many positions are classified based on pawn structures. Philidor, an opera composer and one of the few players who defeated the Turk, a famous chess automaton, emphasized ordinary citizens as the foundation and soul of society.
An Abbasid-era chess pawn from Baghdad, featuring a distinctive geometric shape and fine surface engravings. This piece reflects the period’s refined craftsmanship, highlighting the strategic importance of the pawn through its unique and detailed design.
1820 Hindistan Piyon Taşı
Geleneksel Hint kıyafetleri ve aksesuarlarıyla betimlenmiş, 1820 yılına ait figüratif satranç piyonu. Bu parça, 19. yüzyıl Hindistan’ındaki kültürel unsurları ve o dönem satranç takımlarında yaygın olan gerçekçi tasarım anlayışını yansıtır.
French Regency Pawn
Reflecting the elegant 18th-century aesthetic, the French Regency pawn embodies Philidor’s famous principle that “pawns are the soul of chess.” Philidor, who helped popularize this style, is also remembered for defeating the “Mechanical Turk” chess automaton, proving his mastery over both the game and the era’s famous illusions.
