Chess set commemorating 200th anniversary of the War of 1812

While Napoleonic themed chess sets are popular all over the world, it is in Russia that the theme is most often implemented through reference to the history of the War of 1812. Porcelain chessmen made at the Gregory Pashkov Studio convey not only the details of uniforms of the time, but also portraits, and even predisposition of protagonists of the epic battle. According to the ancient Russian chess tradition, the king is flanked not by the queen, but by the “vizier”, his chief advisor and collaborator. Therefore, we see the wise Prince Kutuzov next to the Emperor Alexander I, and Marshal Davoust next to Napoleon. History buffs won't need clues to recognize the ardent Bagration and the vigilant Barclay, the brilliant Marshal Murat and Marshal Ney, “the Red Lion of France”, as well as the Russian guard shakos and bearskin hats of Napoleon's Old Guard. A fascinating, glittering, multicolored decoration for Tolstoy's War and Peace!