Paul Joshua Chess contemporary Staunton Design
Many years ago, my grandfather introduced me to the game of chess. Two decades later, during the 2021/2022 Covid lockdown, my fascination with the “game of kings” was reignited. During this period, I attended the Academy of Design and Art in Munich. For my final project as a “Designer in the Skilled Crafts,” I devoted myself to creating a unique chess set design.
My vision was to blend contemporary artistry with the iconic features of the six chess pieces. Drawing inspiration from the classic Staunton design, which has been the benchmark in international tournament chess for over a century, I created a minimalist yet sophisticated set that fuses functionality with aesthetic beauty. The design and realization process spanned over two years, resulting in a set that is as much a work of art as it is a tool for play.
A chess set as well as a work of art—just like the game itself With a king height of 95 mm (3.75”), all measurements and proportions follow the rigorous international standards set by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Each piece is meticulously handcrafted through numerous steps, ensuring that every form, detail, and surface meets the highest standards of precision and luxury.
Handcarved Knight
The knight plays a unique role in chess. With its distinctive movement pattern, it adds captivating dynamism to the game and often leads to an unpredictable flow of the game.
Equally extraordinary as the piece itself is its intricate crafting process. Because the knight’s characteristic head is not axially symmetrical, it is hand-carved after being shaped on the lathe. For this meticulous work, I use a variety of precision carving tools. While I place great importance on accuracy and consistency, each piece has its own subtle nuances—a signature feature of genuine craftsmanship.
Woods & Colors
The chess pieces are crafted from carefully selected woods. For the white pieces, maple is used, while the black pieces are available in either American walnut or ebony-stained ash. Each piece is finely sanded and finished with a hard wax oil, which highlights the natural wood grain and provides excellent protection. The pieces are distinguished by their smooth tactile feel and elegant silky matte finish.
Weighted Pieces
In one of the final steps, stainless steel weights are added to the pieces. Tournament chess pieces are standardly weighted, as this ensures they stand more securely on the board and are less likely to be knocked over during play. This is especially beneficial in rapid or blitz chess. Additionally, the added weight enhances the overall premium feel of the pieces, providing a more enjoyable and stable playing experience.
Exclusive Chessboard frameless & timeless
The chessboards for these pieces are custom-made creations, crafted by the last remaining German chessboard manufacturer according to my exclusive design. The frameless board is veneered on both sides, with edges made from high-quality solid wood. This allows for a particularly wide bevel on the underside, giving the board a “floating” appearance. This aesthetic effect not only adds visual appeal but also makes the board easier to lift. With dimensions of 440 x 440 mm and a square size of 55 x 55 mm, the board meets the standard FIDE regulations and offers ideal proportions for play. The classic design features American walnut and maple, while a modern Scandinavian style with a white chessboard made of maple and oak is also available upon request.
A Tournament Chess Set designed for elegance and utility
These exclusive chess sets meet all the requirements of a high-quality board game designed for discerning use. As a passionate chess enthusiast, I have thoroughly studied the demands of a tournament chess set and carefully considered every detail. In addition to adhering to FIDE standards and the precise weighting of the pieces, I have equipped my chess sets with two extra queens. This is a standard feature in tournament chess sets, as pawn promotion can result in two or more queens on the board.
The pieces and board are presented in a custom-made, high-quality paper box with foam padding. There are a total of three different variations, which are derived from the various wood types of the pieces and boards. For more information, please visit our online shop.