Description
Philippi YAP Stainless Steel Minimalist Chess Set by Jan Philippi.
Offered here is an original Philippi YAP Stainless Steel Ches set. This pristine example is the original brushed stainless steel production of the iconic YAP chess set designed by Jan Philippi for Philippi Design of Germany and introduced circa 2003. Distinct from the later acrylic reissues, this early metal edition delivers substantial weight, industrial elegance, and a powerful minimalist presence that has made it a standout in modern chess design.
The complete set comprises 32 abstract cylindrical pieces executed in two complementary finishes: highly polished chrome and dark anodized gray. Each piece is differentiated by height and distinctive top profiling — from the King measuring 2-1/2 inches tall with a 1-inch diameter base, through the Queen, Rooks (with crenellated detailing), Bishops, Knights, and down to the shorter Pawns. The result is pure sculptural form that remains fully playable while functioning as striking modern art.
The matching brushed stainless steel chessboard features a clean checkered pattern in contrasting silver and dark tones, and the signature PHILIPPI logo in the corner. The entire ensemble is housed in its original custom black fitted foam-lined presentation and storage case, preserving every piece in original condition. The metal chessboard is pristine with no visible wear, and the pieces retain their original finishes and protective foam storage presentation.
Ideal for the serious collector seeking a bridge between historical chess artifacts and forward-looking design. This Philippi YAP Stainless Steel Chess set displays beautifully alongside traditional Staunton or figural sets while offering a completely different aesthetic and tactile experience. Its compact yet substantial scale makes it equally suitable for play or as a permanent sculptural accent in a library, office, or display cabinet.
About the Artist.
Jan Philippi’s YAP (launched in 2003) reimagined chess through a radically reduced, Bauhaus-influenced lens. The stainless-steel version represents the original material expression of this vision — substantial, tactile, and uncompromisingly modern. It stands in deliberate contrast to later transparent acrylic editions, offering collectors a rare early production example of one of the most influential contemporary chess designs of the early 21st century.
