Man Ray 1945 Prototype Wood Chess Set

1945 Wood Chess Set prototype design by Man Ray, as illustrated in the book "Imagery of Chess, Revisited".
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updated June 16, 2023

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The Historical Chess Set Series

#1 - Man Ray's 1945 Abstract Wood Chess Set

Man Ray, a prominent American artist and a key figure in the Surrealist movement, created his 1945 Wood Chess Set design as a functional piece of art. The chess set, produced in limited quantities, was made from beechwood and featured abstract, geometric shapes for each chess piece.

The design of the chess set was heavily influenced by Man Ray's interest in mathematics and geometry, as well as his interest in the Surrealist concept of automatism, which involved allowing the subconscious to guide the creative process. The pieces in the set reflect this interest, with each piece featuring a distinct, abstract shape stripped of any figurative or symbolic meaning.

The set's minimalist design is characteristic of Man Ray's work. Using natural materials such as wood indicates his interest in organic and handmade items. The pieces are also notable for their unconventional shapes, with the bishop and knight pieces featuring elongated forms that are unlike anything in traditional chess sets.

Overall, the Man Ray 1945 Wood Chess Set design is an excellent example of how art and function can intersect. The set not only serves as a functional chess set but also as a piece of art in its own right, with its minimalist design and abstract shapes challenging traditional notions of how a chess set should look.

NOTES:

This prototype design differs from the production version of the 1945 Wood Chess Set only in the appearance of the rook chess piece. The rook in this prototype has straight vertical walls. In contrast, the rook in the production version has vertical walls splayed inward slightly to echo, in reverse, the tapered bishops.

I modeled the chess set using the dimensions and shapes from Man Ray's design. Printed as modeled, the set is the size of a standard tournament chess set with a 3.75" (95mm) King and displays well on a 20" chess board with 2.25" (57 mm) squares. 

REFERENCES:
  • List, Larry. The Imagery of Chess, Revisited: On the Occasion of the Exhibition the Imagery of Chess Revisited, Organized by the Noguchi Museum, October 20, 2005 - March 5, 2006. New York: Braziller, 2005.
  • Design for Chess Pieces, 1945, Pen and black and red ink, graphite, and red color pencil on paper, 12 x 13 7/8 in. (30.5 x 34.9 cm), Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, 2023.
ABOUT THE HISTORICAL CHESS SET SERIES:

Introducing a remarkable resource for chess lovers and history buffs – a collection of historical chess set printable models from around the world! Immerse yourself in the game's rich cultural history with designs ranging from the ancient world to modern times. Each set is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its era that showcases the evolution of chess throughout the centuries, providing a stunning visual representation of the game's journey that will impress any chess enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned player or a history buff, this collection has something to offer everyone. Join us on a journey through time and discover the beauty and intricacy of chess through these historical sets, which will captivate, inspire, and invite you to engage with the game in a whole new way. 

CHESS SETS IN THIS SERIES:
  1. Man Ray 1945 Prototype Wood Chess Set - March 13, 2023
    1945 Wood Chess Set prototype design by Man Ray, as illustrated in the book "Imagery of Chess, Revisited".
  2. Austrian Biedermeier Coffeehouse Chess Set - March 19, 2023
    An Austrian chess set in the Biedermeier Coffeehouse style made around the Biedermeier period between 1815 and 1850.
  3. French Directoire Chess Set - March 26, 2023
    A classic French chess set design, also called the French Revolutionary chess set, from the Directoire period 1795-1799.
  4. English Rowbotham Chess Set - March 26, 2023
    A stylized chess set commissioned by the Reverend Rowbotham from John Jaques of London and designed by Nathaniel Cook.
  5. Soviet-Era Russian Poni Minimalist Chess Set - March 31, 2023
    Russian chess set designed in the 1920s by Alexey Poni, a classic example of minimalistic style and functional design.
  6. French Dierdot Chess Set - April 8, 2023
    French chess set also known as the Encyclopédie Chess Set, an artifact of the 18th-century French Enlightenment period.
  7. Leonardo Da Vinci's Chess Set - April 14, 2023
    Leonardo Da Vinci's chess set design found in De Ludo Scachorum, written by Luca Pacioli, a Renaissance mathematician.
  8. Duetsche Bundesform Chess Set - April 21, 2023
    Deutsche Bundesform (German Federation Form) chess pieces used exclusively at the Munich Chess Olympiad in 1936.
  9. Czechoslovakian Coffeehouse Chess Set - April 28, 2023
    A vintage coffeehouse style chess set similar to those made in Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) ca. 1950. 
  10. Romanian Bundesform Chess Set - May 7, 2023
    Chess set originating in Romania in the early 20th century exhibiting the German Bundesform style of chess pieces.
  11. Polish Coffeehouse Chess Set - May 15, 2023
    A rare Polish coffeehouse design heavily influenced by Austrian aesthetics and the popular Regence style of 18th Century France.
  12. Budapest/Hungarian Chess Set - May 19, 2023
    This is a unique and elegant Staunton-inspired chess set made in Hungary ca. 1920's-1930's with a rare Knight shape.
  13. Bulgarian Chess Set - May 26, 2023
    A beautiful Bulgarian design chess set inspired by a handmade set made in Bulgaria/Eastern Europe ca. 1950s–1960s. 
  14. Soviet-era Latvian Chess Set - June 2, 2023
    Chess set similar to the one seen in the final game between Beth and Vasily in the Netflix Series, "The Queen's Gambit".
  15. Old Windsor Castle Chess Set - June 9, 2023
    Rare souvenir set of chessmen made using the old oak from the St. George Chapel at Windsor Castle during the 1820s. 
  16. German Bohemia Chess Set - June 16, 2023
    German Bohemia chess set with "chicken-head" Knight made circa 1970s and designed for the 1970 Siegen Chess Olympiad.

Look for future weekly releases, including rare and beautiful Yugoslavian, and Romanian chess sets. Send me a message if you have a particular chess set design that you would like to see as a 3D model. I am always open to new ideas. Although I have steered clear of the Staunton design, I am considering adding the more popular formats, like the 1959 Zagreb and the 1950 Dubrovnik sets. Let me know if you are interested in adding Staunton sets.

FAIR AND COMMERCIAL USE:

The models in the Historical Chess Set Series allow others to enjoy playing the game of chess with something other than standard Staunton chess pieces (see license below). These models are licensed for an individual's personal use. Individuals may print sets to give away, providing parties have no other value exchange. Any commercial printing or distribution is strictly prohibited. Please don't make me wake up my lawyer; she's grumpy when she doesn't get her beauty sleep, and you will suffer the consequences.

DISCLAIMER:

Please be advised that there is no intention that the models and representations provided herein are exact reproductions of their original counterparts. Instead, they should be regarded as artistic interpretations, reflecting the creativity and vision of the artisan.

The artisan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and fidelity of these models. It is essential to recognize that they may contain variations, deviations, or artistic liberties the artisan took to enhance their aesthetic appeal or convey a particular message.

As such, we encourage users to appreciate these models for their artistic value and creative expression while acknowledging that they may not be precise replicas of the original subjects. Please enjoy these works with an open mind and a discerning eye, understanding that they represent a unique blend of historical inspiration and artistic interpretation.

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