Description
Modernist Acrylic & Chrome Sculptural Chess Set.
A striking late 20th-century modernist chess set executed in translucent acrylic and chrome-plated metal, conceived as both a functional set and a sculptural design object. The King stands 4″ tall with a 1-3/8″ diameter base. The pieces are formed from hand-shaped Lucite bodies—deep cobalt opposing milky white—each encased within a polished metal framework and accented with cabochon-style glass inserts in contrasting tones.
The design departs deliberately from Staunton orthodoxy, favoring a more expressive, studio-driven interpretation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the knights, rendered as abstracted horse heads with hand-formed wirework manes—each example individually articulated, giving the set a distinctly crafted character. Kings and queens are surmounted by faceted crystal-style finials, reinforcing the set’s decorative intent.
While unsigned, the construction and aesthetic align with European studio production of the late 20th century, when acrylic and chrome were widely explored in high-design decorative arts. The set occupies the intersection of game and object—equally suited to display in a modern interior as to occasional play.
A visually compelling example of modernist chess design, notable for its scale, materials, and sculptural presence. The pieces are in excellent condition. Note: The black and white Spanish veneer chessboard shown is not included but can be ordered here.
