*SOLD* Somni Magnus (Sleeping Giants); Kyrgyzstan ‘Rib-Barrel’ Chessmen with Board, c.1985

Sleeping Giants (Somni Magnus); 32 chessmen with folding board, wood with reed decoration, weighted, classic oak vs. chestnut, artistically reimagined with fine gold and bronze highlights, Soviet Kyrgyzstan, c.1980-1990

 

Height: King 12.5cm weight 38g base width 3.4cm, Queen 11cm wt. 38g, Bishop 9.5cm 25g, Knight 8.4cm 30g, Rook 8.4cm 32g, Pawns 6.5cm 15g.

W: Lush Prussian Blue felt pads; B: same

Board: 45cm x 45cm with 5cm squares. Vintage condition, playing field refinished in clear shellac with fine gold detailing. No clasps.

 

This was a rather plain set when it came to us, finished in a low-budget, glossy latex that was rough to the touch with raw wooden reeds decorating the barrels of the back row. Having swiftly decided to refinish the set entirely using multiple layers of shellac sandwiched between various varnishes, I also decided to ‘elevate’ their plain appearance employing fine gold and bronze metallics, which were then antiqued, retaining the overall ‘old feel’ of the set.

 

The decision was also made to give both kings a more distinguishable finial as previously there was little difference in appearance and height between the royal couple (see the before shot at thechessschach dot com). An appropriate amount of weight has also been added making for a very pleasurable playing experience altogether over the checkered field.

 

On the subject of playing fields, the accompanying vintage folding board has a very slight warp to one side and a little bit of veneer is missing on one edge. Nothing ugly, I assure you, and the playing surface itself has been refinished to compliment the set perfectly. If you choose not to take the board with the set I will deduct $50.00 CN from the listing price for you. Just message us in advance of purchase.

 

As usual, both kings carry the hand-painted iridescent copper 2022 ‘Power’ signature of the artist on their bases and are accompanied by one of our unique Chess Schach Certificates of Artistry (see the Jan. 2022 chessay for more info on these CoA’s).

 

 

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