Wooden Chess Set Manufacturer, The House of Staunton, Discusses the Details That Go Into Each Chess Piece
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Wood chess pieces are intricate works of art. Frequently possessing historical or cultural significance, players can purchase a set that speaks to them. Chess manufacturer, The House of Staunton, shares insights into the process of crafting the world's finest chessmen.
The process of designing exquisite chessmen begins with engineered drawings and detailed sketches. Designs are refined through an iterative process until each piece reflects its intended vision and demonstrates exceptional quality and beauty.
Chessmen designs reflect a variety of motifs and cultural influences. Pieces have reflected specific personalities, world events, and themes. Since chess is a game of war, chessmen are frequently designed to memorialize ideological battles and military leaders such as the Moors vs. Christians, communism vs. capitalism, the American Revolutionary War, the War of Northern Aggression, and Napoleon vs. Wellington. Chessmen also reflect mythology, groups of people and cultures, nature, and abstract ideas. Staunton chessmen designs have reflected the Greek mythology (Greek vs. Roman Gods), Celtic culture, animals, insects, Man Ray, and more.
Once the design and engineering process is completed, the quality of the chess set is assessed. Staunton chess sets are measured by the fineness of their turnings and the craftsmanship of the Knight. Chessmen turning is a labor intensive process that requires an expert craftsman. Wood is spun quickly while the artist brings an intricate design to life. Afterwards, each chess piece is contoured, sanded, and further refined into its final shape until it resembles what you see on your chessboard.
The Knight is the defining feature of the Staunton design. The piece is based on the war horse pulling Selene's chariot?a visage that is part of the Parthenon Frieze sculptures expropriated by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Lord of Elgin. The sculptures were expropriated from the East and West Pediments of the Temple of Parthenon, which sits atop the Athenian Acropolis. The cornerstones of the Staunton design were, and continue to be, a chessman's stability and uniqueness, and the quality and artistry of the knight.
About The House of Staunton: The House of Staunton is an American locally owned and operated small business. For over 27 years, they have manufactured the world's finest chess equipment. They sell a wide variety of chess sets, chess boards and chess boxes, and are the equipment provider for top chess tournaments worldwide. Their chess sets are featured in numerous movies and television shows as well as on book covers and in print ads.
Media Contact: Shawn P. Sullivan, The House of Staunton, Inc., 256.858.8070, [email protected]
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SOURCE The House of Staunton
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