Chess Pieces & Sets

Motifs, executions and history

The range covers chess sets with board as well as chess figurine sets without board – grouped by theme in motif categories that reach well beyond classical standard pieces. Antiquity themes such as Greek mythology, Egypt as well as Romans versus Arabs sit alongside historical battles such as Waterloo and Napoleon in Russia, alongside fantasy sets featuring dragons and vampires. Beyond these come samurai, Jazz versus Rock and further unusual pairings. Plenty of the finely detailed hand-painted figurine sets come from Veronese.

Chess belongs to the oldest strategy games in the world. The earliest written records date from the 6th century AD and point to India, where the game was known under the name Chaturanga. From there it spread via Persia and the Arab world to Europe – and the historical themes that accompanied the game on its journey live on today in the figurative sets.

Frequently asked questions about chess pieces and sets

What's the difference between a chess set and a chess figurine set?

A chess set includes board and pieces as a complete package. A chess figurine set consists only of the 32 playing pieces without board – for anyone who already owns a board or wants to choose one separately.

What material are the chess pieces crafted from?

Plenty of chess pieces in the range are crafted from cold-cast resin (polyresin) and hand-painted. Individual sets are crafted from pewter. Chess boards are available in wood, cold-cast resin, faux leather or eco-leather.

Are the chess pieces also suitable for actual play?

Plenty of figurine sets can be played on matching boards, though they're more decoratively designed than pared-back tournament pieces. Through figurative motifs, painting and thematic reference, they simultaneously work as collectible and decorative objects.