Josef Hartwig
Form follows function. The oft-quoted, much misunderstood dictum associated with the Bauhaus finds few better expressions than the chess set designed by the workshop master Josef Hartwig in 1922, writes Alex Cameron.
Developed from the elementary forms – triangle, square and circle – using stained limewood, Hartwig’s design is testimony to the beauty of economy and the power of human-centred design.
This game of chess with clean lines is typical of timeless Bauhaus style. Josef Hartwig's chessmen, designed in 1923, have characteristically reduced forms which, in contrast to commonly used figures, are symbols based purely on the function and form of the maneuver of each piece. Cubes, cylinders and balls lead you move by move to checkmate. The perfect chessboard for the Bauhaus chess pieces features a unique border-less design and compliments the pieces really well.
Specifications:
Board size: 14"
Square size: 1.75"
32 pieces + storage box
Box size: 17" x 3" x 1.5"
King size: 2"
Base size: 1" square
Made of Maple Wood