A quick guide to find a perfect chess set Archives

chessbazaar March 3, 2023

Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games played around the world. It is a game that requires immense focus, strategy, and critical thinking skills. Apart from being a source of entertainment, chess is also a way to challenge oneself intellectually. However, chess is not just about the game itself, but also the equipment that is used to play it. The chess set is a crucial component of the game, and it is available in different materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. In this blog post, we will focus on handmade wooden chess sets and why they are expensive.

Handmade Wooden Chess Sets

Punjab, a state located in the northern part of India, is famous for its handmade wooden chess sets. These chess sets are made from high-quality wood such as Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, Bud Rosewood, ebony wood for the dark side, and boxwood for the light side. The artisans who make these chess sets are highly skilled and have been practicing their craft for generations. They use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand.

Why are Handmade Wooden Chess Sets Expensive?

There are several reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons:

Quality of Wood

One of the main reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive is the quality of wood used. The artisans in Punjab, India, use only the best quality wood to make these chess sets. Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, bud rosewood, and ebony wood are all premium woods that are known for their durability, strength, and beauty. These woods are also known for their resistance to warping and cracking, making them ideal for chess pieces that will be used frequently.

2. Skilled Artisans

The artisans who make these handmade wooden chess sets are highly skilled and have years of experience in their craft. They have developed their skills through years of practice and are considered experts in their field. These artisans use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand. This level of skill and expertise is not easy to come by, and it is one of the reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are so expensive.

3. Time and Effort

Handmade wooden chess sets require a significant amount of time and effort to make. Each chess piece is carved and shaped by hand, which can take hours, if not days, to complete. The artisans in Punjab, India, work tirelessly to create these intricate chess pieces, and their efforts are reflected in the final product. The time and effort that goes into making each chess piece by hand is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.

4. Unique Designs

Handmade wooden chess sets are often unique and one-of-a-kind. The artisans who make these chess sets use their creativity and imagination to come up with designs that are not available in mass-produced sets. This uniqueness adds to the value of the chess set and is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.

5. Limited Production

Handmade wooden chess sets are often produced in limited quantities. This is because the process of making each chess piece by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, the production of these chess sets is limited to a few pieces per month or year. Limited production means that the demand for these chess sets often exceeds the supply, which drives up the price.

6. Brand Name

Finally, the brand name associated with handmade wooden chess sets can also contribute to their high price. Chessbazaar, for example, is a leading chess manufacturer in the world that works closely with artisans in Punjab, India, to produce high-quality handmade wooden chess sets. The brand name and reputation associated with Chessbazaar add to the value of their handmade wooden chess sets.

More to Read:

chessbazaar February 24, 2023

History of the Max Ernst Chess Set!

The Max Ernst Chess Set is a unique and captivating work of art that combines the traditional game of chess with surrealism. It was created by the artist Max Ernst in 1944, while he was living in exile in the United States during World War II. The set was made using found objects, such as toys and trinkets, which were combined to create a one-of-a-kind set that has become a true masterpiece.
In this article, we will explore the history of the Max Ernst Chess Set, its design and construction, and the impact it has had on the world of art and chess.

About Max Ernst Chess Set

Max Ernst was a German-born artist who was one of the pioneers of the surrealist movement. He was forced to flee his home country in 1938 due to his opposition to the Nazi regime, and he eventually settled in the United States. While living in New York during World War II, Ernst began work on the Max Ernst Chess Set.
The set was created during a time when many artists were exploring new mediums and ways of expression. The surrealists in particular were interested in tapping into the unconscious mind to create works of art that were beyond rational explanation. Ernst was no exception, and he saw the game of chess as the perfect vehicle for his artistic vision.
The Max Ernst Chess Set was first exhibited in 1945 at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York City. It was an instant sensation, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about pieces of art in the city. The set was eventually acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where it remains on display today.

Design and Construction

The Max Ernst Chess Set is made up of a total of 32 pieces, each of which is a unique creation. The pieces are made from a variety of found objects, such as buttons, toys, and trinkets, which were combined and arranged in such a way as to create a unified design.
The chessboard itself is also a work of art, with a hand-painted design that features various surreal and abstract elements. The board is made from wood and measures approximately 23 inches by 23 inches.
Each of the pieces in the Max Ernst Chess Set is a masterpiece in its own right. The pawns, for example, are small figures made from metal and other materials, while the kings and queens are more elaborate, featuring ornate crowns and other decorations.
The use of found objects in the creation of the Max Ernst Chess Set is a hallmark of the surrealist movement. By taking objects that were originally intended for other purposes and recontextualizing them in a new setting, Ernst was able to create a work of art that was truly unique and unlike anything that had been seen before.

Also Read: Chess Board and Pieces Dimensions

Impact and Legacy

The Max Ernst Chess Set has had a lasting impact on both the worlds of art and chess. As a work of art, it has inspired countless other artists to explore new mediums and techniques, and it has helped to cement Ernst’s reputation as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
In the world of chess, the Max Ernst Chess Set has become a true collector’s item. Its rarity and uniqueness have made it a highly sought-after item among collectors, and it has been featured in numerous exhibitions and auctions over the years.
More broadly, the Max Ernst Chess Set is an example of the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries and merge different disciplines. By combining the game of chess with the principles of surrealism, Ernst was able to create a work of art that was both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

The Max Ernst Chess Set is a true masterpiece that has captured the imagination of art and uniqueness. We at chessbazaar would be delighted to custom made these Max Ernest chess set in Sheesham or ebonized. Kindly write to us at sales @ chessbazaar.com and we would be happy to assist.

Max Ernst Chess in sheesham wood — in sheesham

Max Ernst Chess in boxwood material — in boxwood

Max Ernst Chess in sheesham — in sheesham

Previous: Why Luxury Chess Sets are Expensive and Why do you Own One?
Next: Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

Chess Blogs October 25, 2019

Why I collect chess sets, by John Lawson

People typically collect chess sets for many reasons. Wooden chess sets are beautiful. They can be collected economically. There are many, many styles for every taste and décor, and they can be displayed attractively in one’s home or office. Best of all, you can play chess with them! These are all good reasons, but I started collecting chess sets for a different reason: I play chess variants.

Chess can be played by other rules than the FIDE rules we are familiar with. In fact, FIDE chess is actually a variant of the form of chess played in Europe in Medieval times. The moves of the Bishop and Queen were once much more limited. Thousands of chess variants have been invented by enthusiasts, many with pieces with novel moves on larger boards, and in order to play them, you have to assemble a larger and more varied set of pieces than normal chess set.

I have seven Chessbazaar sets I can use as a source of pieces to assemble sets for playing variants. They are all boxwood and ebonized boxwood so that all the colors match. The sets are:

M0040 The Classic Series Cone Shaped Chess Pieces

M0051 The Wooden Hour Glass Series Chess Pieces

R0340 The Championship Series Staunton Chess Set

R0342 The Australian War Memorial Reproduced Chess Set by ACF

S1273 Minimalist Hermann Ohme Chess Set

VJ082 Geometric Minimalist Pattern Seamless Design Chess Pieces

R0397B 1940s Art Deco Series Weighted Chess Pieces

To demonstrate how I would select the pieces to create a variant set, I’ll set up an array to play “Tamerlane Chess” as an example. Tamerlane Chess was played in the area that is now Iran and Central Asia and is called that because, according to legend, it was a favorite of Tamerlane (Timur), who carved out an empire in that area in the 14th Century. Tamerlane is played on a 10×11 square board. (An Internet search will easily find the complete rules if you interested.) Sadly, the paper-and-cardboard Tamerlane Chessboard I made for myself is not available, so I will lay out the pieces on my chess table with the same spacing and orientation as if they were on the 10×11 Tamerlane board.

Also Read: Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

My typical process is to start with a Staunton set to represent the pieces in whatever variant I’m playing whose moves are identical to modern FIDE pieces. For this example, I am using R0340, The Championship Series Staunton Chess Set.

Tamerlane Chess – Step 1

In the Tamerlane variant: there are three different pieces with diagonal moves reminiscent of the Bishop; Rooks and two pieces whose orthogonal moves resemble the Rook; Knights and two pieces whose moves resemble Knights. There are no Queens, and eleven Pawns are needed.

The diagonal-moving pieces have moved of three different ranges, but none move exactly like a Bishop. I will select Bishops of three different designs that suggest, to me, their different ranges.

Available Bishops

I am choosing the R0342 (Australian War Memorial Reproduced Chess Set), S1273 (Minimalist Hermann Ohme Chess Set), and R0397B (1940s Art Deco Series) Bishops.

Tamerlane Chess – Step 2

The orthogonal-moving pieces include a Rook and two pieces of shorter range.

Available Rooks

I have selected the R0340 (The Championship Series Staunton Chess Set) Rook, and the M0051(Wooden Hour Glass Series) and R0342 (Australian War Memorial Reproduced Chess Set) Rooks.

Tamerlane Chess – Step 3

The leaping pieces include a Knight and two leaping pieces of longer range.

Available Knights

I have selected the R0340 (The Championship Series Staunton Chess Set) Knight and the R0342 ( The Australian War Memorial Reproduced Chess Set ) and S1273 ( Hermann Ohme Chess ) Knights.

Tamerlane Chess – Step 4

I need eleven Pawns, so I will have to use Pawns from two different sets. The Pawns need to be visually similar, since having two very different designs would be confusing.

Available Pawns

I will use the R0340 pawns (The Championship Series ), plus three similar pawns from the S1273 (Hermann Ohme Chess Set) set. As R0340 pawns are captured, I will use them to replace the S1273 Pawns on the board.

Tamerlane Chess – Step 5

And now we have the Tamerlane Chess game set up and ready to play, and because we used sets with similar finishes, and gave some thought to how we selected the other pieces, we should be able to play with little risk of spoiling the game by misidentifying a piece.

Tamerlane Chess – Ready to play!

More to Read: Chess Board and Pieces Dimensions

Also Read: 6 Tips to Choose the Best Chess Board for Your Need

Chess Blogs October 22, 2019

Yet another custom chess set Delivered!

One of our esteemed customers requested to make a custom chess set for us. Though the requirement was quite simple, however, meeting and overcoming the customers’ expectations was a big challenge for us. We deliver in the given time-frame and the customer gets this amazing collection in his arsenal.

The Requirement: The Reproduced 1849 Original Staunton Pattern Chess Set on chessbazaar.com was available in two variants. The customer wants to make 17 pieces in painted green color.

Cost and Delivery Time: Due to the Non-disclosure agreement as per our privacy policy, we won’t be able to share the cost. However, we estimate the time to be in between 6-8 weeks, though we complete the task in 5 weeks straight.

This set brings a vintage experience with King proudly standing at 4.5″ tall with a base diameter of 1.8″. While this set is a complete gold in the industry we paid special attention to its making and our Artisans made it with love and utmost care.

The set as you know came in Ebony & Crimson. Shown below in the picture:

When the customer came up with an idea and contacted us, his idea excited us. The customer wanted to have a different variety of color in his collection. For the reader’s knowledge and information, we at chessbazaar have a persistent long history of making custom chess sets according to the wants & desires of our customers.

Any person who desires to make custom chess sets can contact us anytime with specifications and details. We provide on-call/email services where we understand each and every detail our customer gives us to make his/her fantasy into reality.

A person can just think freely of anything related to chess may it be pieces, boards, paperweights and we try our best to create it and give him the end fruit of his thoughts.

When the final outcome came out of production, we were amazed to see the look of the rich military green color, it looked classy and elegant in gloss finish. We loved it and our customer was delighted & proud to have it. We and our customer is proud of this customized creation.

Check out this amazing outcome:

The reason for writing this blog is to encourage and thank our customers for believing in our products and our creations and we look forward to more challenges and happy customers.

In case your creative side is turned on reading this, and you also want to design with us make sure to share your imagination with us which we are eagerly waiting to turn it into reality.

For more information visit https://www.chessbazaar.com/custom-design/

More Posts to Read:

A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set May 17, 2017

How to Find a Perfect Wooden Chess Set Online?

Selecting a perfect chess set can really give you headaches. It is not easy to find a right chess set especially if you are buying it online. Markets are flooded with a huge variety of chess sets in different materials, shapes, and sizes. The chess pieces and the chess boards are often bought separately and that increases the difficulty level of ‘’choosing the correct chess set task ’’. We at Chessbazaar are here to help you find a breakthrough and by taking care of some very important points, we can help you in breaking the back of the beast.

Follow these steps to find your perfect chess set:

The purpose of the use of your chess set – The very first step to choosing a chess set is to decide that for what purpose do you need the chess set.

If you want to buy a chess set for your routine, use at chess clubs or at home then either you should go for some robust Staunton tournament chess sets or any weighted Staunton chess set would be the best option for this.

Related: How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide

If you travel a lot and can’t travel without your best companion ‘chess set game ‘then you should buy a magnetic travel set. Our travel magnetic chess sets are ideal for playing on planes, trains, buses or in the cars. These chess sets use magnetic fields to secure the chess pieces to the board ensuring that they will not move. The chess pieces have been fitted with a magnetic stud in the base and the board is fitted with concealed Iron sheet.

Chess sets are also a wonderful way to decorate your living room, bedroom etc. If you want to light up your living space with a beautiful chess set or if you want to buy something antique for home decor, you can go for luxury chess sets or antique chess sets.

If you want to gift a chess set to your Dad, friend or your loved ones then our economy range is for you. You can buy a good quality wooden chess set here without burning a hole in your pocket.

And if you are a chess collector, then we have a special corner for you. Our Antique reproductions category is substantially designed for chess collectors and enthusiasts. Shop now>

Buy Reproduction 1950 Dubrovnik Bobby Fischer Chess Set Online

Set a price for your chess set – Ask yourself, how much can I afford for a chess set? You should buy a chess set that fits your pocket well so that you always feel satisfactory each time you play with it. Prices of the wooden chess sets vary according to the type of the wood, king size, weight, quality of the craftsmanship, the number of queens, services offered by the company, design of the knight etc. You need to set your priorities and determine that what kind of chess set you require and then determine the price accordingly. If you are low on a budget then chessbazaar.com is one of the best places to look for. We’re the cheapest option in the market for buying a new wooden chess set but that doesn’t equate to cheap quality too. Chess bazaar was founded in 2007 by Vikramjit Singh, who believes that high-quality chess sets don’t need to cost a fortune. At chessbazaar.com our primary motto is “MAKING HEIRLOOM QUALITY CHESS SETS – ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE”. All of our chess sets are of heirloom quality that lasts for many generations. We also offer free replacements* and the lifetime warranty on our most of the chess supplies.

Selecting the type and color of wood – After you have set a price for your chess set, you need to select the type of the wood that suits your taste the most. You can choose out of the best and luxurious wood types such as ebony wood, bud rosewood, rosewood or the evergreen ones like Sheesham and boxwood. Type of wood selected by you would also depend upon the color combination you want to have like black & red, black white, red & white etc.

Buy Luxury Chess Sets Online

Select your Chess pieces – After keeping everything in your mind – the price, type of wood, design, weighted and non-weighted, and the purpose. If your primary purpose is playing speed chess, blitz etc then don’t go for heavily weighted (quadruple or more) chess pieces at all, you can’t play a blitz or speed chess easily with heavily weighted chess pieces until & unless you are a super human. Heavily weighted chess pieces are best for décor purpose or for occasional play. Though there are hundreds of designs available at our website like Dublin pattern, minimalist pattern, upright pattern, monoblock pattern, themed chess sets etc, but for actual play, Staunton pattern design is the standard among all. We’ve all in our store, so go ahead and choose your dream chess pieces according to your taste and requirement or simply go for standard Tournament chess set approved by fide.

Minimalist Hermann Ohme Chess Set in Sheesham & Box Wood Online 5. Matching a board to your chess pieces – Next difficulty is to choose a right board for your chess pieces. After choosing the perfect chess pieces now is the turn to choose the right field to play. If chess pieces are not matching properly with chess board then it will not give the satisfaction to a chess player. First, calculate the size of the base diameter of the widest chess piece “King” and divide it by 78%. For eg, if the base diameter of the king is 1.5″(38mm) then you should go for a square size of 1.9″ (48mm) or more. The concept is if you get the King chess piece just right, other chess pieces also fit in automatically on your chess board.

Buy The Bridle Series Chess Pieces in Ebony & Box Wood Online

To simplify your search here is the formula to calculate the right board size for you chess pieces – Calculate the base diameter of king and divide it by 78%.

6. Calculate the base diameter of the king and divide it by 78%. With this formula, you will get your board size. Now choose the type of the wood, color and the design of the edges and wooden frame that suits your chess pieces the best. Handmade wooden chessboards from ebony wood and rosewood and bud rosewood are often more expensive ones than the veneer or leather chess boards. Select the board according to your imaginations and ideas. Imagine the chess pieces and the chess board combo in your mind and make the final call. Still, if you’re unable to find a right chess board for your chess pieces then don’t worry, we have a chess sets category which has chess pieces with their matching chess board.

After following all these steps, we hope you’ll be able to find your perfect chess set.