An
object that promotes
conversation just by lying around, such as an ornate
chessboard, an odd
musical instrument (such as a
dulcimer), or the like. Conversation pieces can be used to cover
lulls in
discussion, especially when the situation is
awkward or the parties involved don't know each other very well. What distinguishes a "conversation piece" from an
Interesting Object is that the former has no real use or purpose other than being something to talk or
brag about.
Too many conversation pieces in your living room will attract the attention of children under 12, and you may be unable to converse anyways because you will be kept on your toes defending them from grubby fingers and argumentative siblings.