| Description: | Designer chess game by Ralf (Kepmi) Kepnik and Antonio La Cirignola. It is a complete piece of furniture-engineering-art comprising all components. Made of unidentified processed wood ("Chipboard"). Unique design of the chess pieces. Ultra-modern design of the pieces yet easy resemblance to the familiar Staunton design. Geometric architecture, one side square form the other rounded. The pieces are weighted using brass inserts, which reflect the design of the pieces, inverted rounds and squares. Both Kings are signed on the underside by the artists. While not in play, the pieces rest securely in specially designed compartments, built inside two swinging semi-circular drawers. Each drawer has a small handle resembling the shapes of the pieces stored it. The drawers are part of a uniquely "suitcase-like" designed chess table-board, which also integrated a hidden pull-out handle to help carry this fantastic and unique piece of art. The underside of the board-table, approx. size 16.5" x 16.5" x 2", is signed by the artists and dated 1989. Total weight over 12LB.
Reference: This unique art design was featured in the publication FORM, 1989 where futuristic and innovating art are reviewed. Excellent condition with some minor aging-rubbing.
Additional References: Ralf Kepnik, signed and dated L.A. 13 St. 1989, West Germany, No. 11 Kepnik Design, MDF, chipwood and brass, game designed as a suitcase with integrated and laterally swiveling semi-circular brackets for the pieces, these strongly abstracted, partly with weighting made of brass, probably prototype, good preservation, complete, dimensions approx. 42 x 44 cm. Ralf Kepnik/W. Antonio La Cirignola: Portable design chess game from 1989, conceived as a kind of suitcase. On the outside on the back signed by hand in white lettering "Ralf Kepnik L. A. 13 pieces W. A. Lacirignola". The front of the box as a chess playing surface with square squares and nine punched out holes each. The figures themselves are located inside the box in semi-circular plates that can be swiveled outwards. The figures are strongly abstracted and stylized (with round and tapered shapes) and are removable from punched recesses. Box made of MDF boards with pull-out carrying handle. Format approx. 42 x 44 cm, numbered "2". Lit.: Cf. Form - Zeitschrift für Gestaltung Issue 126, 1989, p. 19. Note: similar design sets (2) sold at an auction in Germany on 2022/08/26 at a hammer price of 700 Euro.
2021. Sold. |
