Bauhaus chess sets are known for their unique, minimalistic design that reflects the principles of the Bauhaus movement in the early 20th century. There’s a variety of chess sets inspired by this movement, which makes you wonder what the best Bauhaus chess set on the market is.
The Naef Spiele Bauhaus chess set is ideal for chess and art enthusiasts. It captures the visionary aesthetic of Josef Hartwig’s original design. The chess set is constructed with top-notch materials and carries authenticity and historical significance.
In this post, we’ll explore the hallmarks and drawbacks of the Naef Spiele Bauhaus chess set. We’ll also examine the legacy of the Bauhaus movement and Josef Hartwig, the German sculptor who designed the original Bauhaus chess set.
Characteristics of the Naef Spiele Bauhaus Chess Set
The Naef Spiele Bauhaus chess set’s design embodies the ideals of the Bauhaus School of Art and Design. It features simplified, geometric shapes that stand out from other chess sets.
Chessboard
The chessboard is standard-sized and with no borders. It’s made from high-quality maple wood. This makes the chessboard durable and provides a smooth surface for the pieces to move on.
It measures 36 x 36 x 1.2 cm (14.17 x 14.17 x 0.47 in) and has a simple grid pattern. The squares on the chessboard are sized at 1.75 inches and are colored in a combination of black and wood grain.
Chess Pieces
The minimalist, geometric design of the chess pieces is a hallmark of the Bauhaus design philosophy.
The design of each piece is based on simple shapes such as squares, circles, and cylinders. This emphasis on simplicity and geometric shapes gives the pieces an elegant, modern appearance.
The chess pieces come in a wooden box with a sliding lid for storage and protection. It measures 43.18 x 7.62 x 3.81 cm (17 x 3 x 1.5 in). The box also has a Bauhaus-inspired design.
King
The king is represented by a small cube diagonally sitting atop a larger cube. This minimalist design reflects the king’s movements on the board. It measures approximately 8 centimeters (3.15 inches).
Queen
The queen is designed as a sphere on a larger cube. This symbolizes the movements of the queen on the board. It can move in any direction along a straight line; horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.
Bishop
The bishop is represented by an “X” shape. The shape mirrors the bishop’s movement on the board. It can move diagonally across the board, following a path of squares of the same color.
Knight
The knight features a distinctive “L” shape consisting of two right-angled arms that meet at a central point.
The “L” shape echoes the knight’s movements. It can move two squares horizontally or vertically and then one square perpendicularly.
Rook
The rook is designed as a simple block, reflecting its movement on the board. It can move horizontally or vertically along any unoccupied squares on the board.
Pawn
The pawn looks similar to the rook; just smaller in size. Its height is around 4 centimeters (1.57 inches).
Small Booklet
The chess set has a small booklet that provides background information about the set and its design. It may contain information about the history of the Bauhaus movement and its impact on modern design.
Drawbacks
One potential drawback of the Naef Spiele Bauhaus Chess Set is its minimalist design. Some people may prefer a more traditional chess set with more intricate details.
It’s also possible that some players will struggle to remember the chess pieces, especially if they’re used to traditional chess sets with more detailed designs.
The Bauhaus Chess Set and the Bauhaus Movement
The Bauhaus Movement had its roots in Germany during the early 1900s. It sought to bridge the gap between art and industry by emphasizing functional design and modern materials.
The German architect Walter Gropius founded the movement to create a new style of design that was both beautiful and practical. He believed that the traditional arts and crafts could be combined with modern technology.
The Bauhaus movement influenced Josef Hartwig’s aesthetic vision. Josef Hartwig designed the Bauhaus chess set using the Bauhaus movement’s design principles.
Josef Hartwig
Josef Hartwig was a German sculptor who designed the original Bauhaus chess set in 1923. He was one of the key figures associated with the Bauhaus movement.
He was a student and later a teacher at the Bauhaus School of Art and Design. The original Bauhaus chess set is a manifestation of the Bauhaus movement’s principles.
Standout Features of the Naef Spiele Bauhaus Chess Set
Here are some of the most notable features of the Naef Spiele Bauhaus chess set:
Historical Significance
The impact of the Bauhaus movement on modern art and design is significant, making it one of the most influential movements in the field.
Owning a piece of the movement is a privilege and can be a source of pride. It’s a collector’s item that will increase in value over time.
Authenticity and Craftsmanship
The Naef Spiele Bauhaus Chess Set is based on the original design of Josef Hartwig in 1923. Its design remains true to Hartwig’s aesthetic vision and principles. This ensures the authenticity and craftsmanship of the chess set.
Educational Value
The chess set’s distinctive, minimalist design is a work of art. It can serve as an educational tool for learning about modern design principles and the legacy of the Bauhaus movement.
Exclusivity
This chess set is only available from Naef Spiele, a Swiss company specializing in wooden toys and games since 1954. Naef Spiele is the only authorized producer of this chess set. You can be sure that you’re getting something exclusive.
Wrapping Up
While several iterations of the Bauhaus chess sets are available in the market, the Naef Spiele Bauhaus chess set stands out as the best choice for enthusiasts and collectors.
It faithfully captures the aesthetic vision of Josef Hartwig’s original design. Its high-quality materials and historical significance make it the best option for anyone looking to own a piece of the Bauhaus movement’s legacy.
The chess set’s minimalist design may not appeal to everybody’s taste, but its emphasis on simplicity and functional aesthetics makes it a timeless piece of art embodying the essence of modern design.
