Brutalis (The Beasts); Soviet GM1 Chess Set, c.1960

The Beasts (Brutalis); 32 vintage chess pieces without board, wood with bone finials, Soviet (prob. Leningrad Region) c.1955-1965, naturally weighted, chestnut red vs. black, artistically restored.

King Height; 12cm or 4 3/4”, weight 34g, base width 4.2cm; Queen; 10.5cm, wt. 30g; Bishop 8.8cm, 20g; Knight; 8cm, 30g; Rook 6.5cm, 25g; Pawns 6.5cm, 15g.

W: gently antiqued off-white felt pads; B: same

 

Playing at chess is made extremely enjoyable with these classic Soviet ‘Grandmaster’ chessmen. The simple design may be described as Minimalistic, inspired, perhaps, by the Brutalist architectural movement of the 1960s. The brawny knights are particularly engaging, reflecting a working horse rather than a fleet-footed steed. The bishops, too, have a muscular appearance with their large, tear-drop shaped signifiers based, no doubt, on the traditional onion-shaped domes of Old Rus houses of worship.

 

The light pieces have been refinished entirely to compliment the upper torso of the two white knights, which carry their original finish coats. The pieces have been aged and carry a very attractive patina that will mature nicely over time. The medium I used is multiple thin coats of custom-coloured amber shellac with a fleck or two of burnt sienna powder pigment for good measure.

 

The dark pieces have also been refinished as the original lead-based black paint had chipped off quite severely on many of the pieces. This has been removed and replaced with an alcohol based paint sealed with clear shellac, replicating the look and ‘feel’ of the original pieces.

 

The finials of the royals are hand-made from bone and are my own design based on the wooden originals which were missing. The dark finials have been stained with black tea – a lengthy process which took a lot longer than I anticipated! The white finials are natural. The ball finials of the two queens are carved rather than turned to retain a rustic feel.

 

Both queens carry the iridescent gold ‘Power’ signature on their bases and ‘Brutalis’ are also accompanied by our unique Chess Schach Certificate of Artistry.

 

Etsy Set Price: $775.00 

 

Ref Code: B25