Clay chess set

Clay chess set

A minimalist design approach to the classic chess set

For the creation of an innovative set of chess pieces, Elena Stavropoulou looked at the core components of a chess board itself.– the chequered pattern of the board, the classic monochrome motif, and its repetition.

These elements informed and inspired the design, with the flat surfaces of the squares on the board giving life to the three-dimensional shapes, via sculptural combinations. Two sets were created – one based on slices of leather and the other in white and black clay slices with a matte glaze.

The two materials were selected for their functionality, materiality and practical use – the texture of the materials allowed for the creation of the slices, and lent themselves well to the elements of repetition within the design.

The lowest piece in the game of chess, the pawn, is given a rigid, disciplined character – a cube in its plainest form.

Meanwhile, rising up in the hierarchy, the rook, the knight and the bishop have intermediate heights, created by altering the surfaces of the initial pawn shape in one or two directions. This assures both the height and shape in relation to the diminutive pawn.

Finally, at the summit, the surfaces are shifted even further upwards to create the king and queen and to symbolise their position at the top of the hierarchy, and their importance in the game of chess.

Project Data

Key info

Project: Clay chess set
Year: 2017
Client: SA
Category: Special Commissions
Materials: white and black stoneware clay with 25% grog 0-0,5mm
Bisquit, firing at 980°C. Matte transparent glazing, firing at 1100°C
Status: Completed

Team

Designed and created by hand by Elena Stavropoulou

Photography: George Messaritakis

A close-up view of clay chess pieces arranged in a line on a chessboard. The pieces are simple, geometric shapes, giving them a modern and minimalist design.

A side view of a chessboard with clay chess pieces, featuring a mix of white and brown minimalist geometric shapes, arranged for a game.

A top-down view of a chessboard with minimalist clay chess pieces in brown and white, arranged at the start of a chess game. The pieces are designed in geometric shapes.

A close-up view of minimalist clay chess pieces in white and brown, designed with vertical geometric shapes, standing on a reflective black surface.

A close-up view of a minimalist clay chess piece, shaped as a tilted square, standing on a reflective black surface.

A close-up view of brown clay chess pieces with a minimalist, flat rectangular design, arranged side by side on a chessboard.

A close-up view of brown clay chess pieces with geometric shapes, positioned on the edge of a chessboard against a dark background.

A top-down view of a chessboard with clay chess pieces in a minimalist design, featuring alternating brown and white squares and corresponding geometric pieces arranged for a game.

A close-up artistic arrangement of minimalist white clay chess pieces placed on a mound of broken clay fragments, set against a dark background with dramatic lighting.

A dramatic scene of minimalist white clay chess pieces on a mound of fine white dust or powder, with a mist-like effect surrounding them, set against a dark background.

A minimalist leather chess set with brown and black pieces, each designed as simple geometric blocks with circular cutouts, arranged on a traditional checkered board.