100 Years of Bauhaus Chess Set by Josef Hartwig - A Timeless Masterpiece of Bauhaus. Discover how the Bauhaus influenced design history

Innovation and creativity

Josef Hartwig

Hartwig's work was characterized by the fact that he tried to simplify the game of chess and bring it into a minimalist form. His design was based on the idea that each piece had a specific geometric shape and size to make its movements on the chessboard more intuitive and reduce the complexity of the game.

Hartwig's Bauhaus Chess is a perfect example of the Bauhaus philosophy of simplicity, functionality and innovative aesthetics. The set is a timeless combination of art and design and represents a masterpiece of modern chess playing art.

timeless modernity

Bauhaus Chess

What is imperceptibly special about this chess game is its simplicity. No ornaments lend the individual pieces a haptic that radically turns away from what has so far characterized the design of Bauhaus Chess figures.

The striving for clarity and simplification in favour of the recipient is therefore evident in the Bauhaus chess as in hardly any other object of utility art.

classic of its genre

form follows function

Form and completion of each figure are subject to the dictum of function. The figures harmonize with the playing surface, the chessboard, since they do not form a playful contrast, but rather find their way stringently into the symmetry.

The Bauhaus chess of workshop master represents a embodies of the Bauhaus idea not only because of its appearance. It even contains a message.

100 Years of Bauhaus Chess

We celebrate the impressive 100th anniversary of Bauhaus Chess. This chess form, created by Josef Hartwig, embodies the principle "form follows function" in an inspiring way and has reinterpreted chess in a revolutionary way. Josef Hartwig, a visionary artist and renowned teacher at the Bauhaus, created this unique chess set that remains an unmistakable symbol of the Bauhaus and its lasting influences on the design world.

Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919, the Bauhaus was a creative whirlwind that fundamentally changed the face of the modern design world. With an avant-garde approach that combined craft, art and technology, the Bauhaus created a movement that redefined the boundaries of what was considered design. The principles of function and simplicity on which the Bauhaus was built had a lasting impact on design and art in the decades that followed.

Josef Hartwig joined the Bauhaus in 1921 and quickly became a crucial member of the institution. Originally a sculptor, Hartwig brought his knowledge to the world of design and taught several workshops at the Bauhaus. Hartwig was known for his ability to combine form and function in a way that was both simple and expressive, and he brought this philosophy to his chess designs.

The emergence of Bauhaus Chess

Hartwig approached the design of chess with a radically new approach. He wanted to create a chess set that reflected the movements of the pieces through their form. By simplifying the pieces to geometric shapes, Hartwig created a game that embodied Bauhaus principles in every piece. The design process was an act of constant revision and fine-tuning until Hartwig developed a chess set that was captivating in both function and form.

Bauhaus Chess is more than just a chess set - it is an expression of Bauhaus principles and the innovative spirit of Josef Hartwig. Through his unique designs, Hartwig has created a game that takes both thinking and design to a new level. The simplification of the pieces to their basic shapes and movements revolutionized not only the world of chess, but also that of design.

A century after its creation, Bauhaus Chess has lost none of its appeal. Its timeless design and continued functionality are still a testament to the endurance of the Bauhaus and its principles. Today, Bauhaus Chess is a coveted collector's item and an enduring inspiration for designers and brainteasers alike.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Bauhaus Chess, we remember Josef Hartwig's visionary work and his lasting impact on the Bauhaus and the world of design. His work challenges us to see the beauty in simplicity and to appreciate the importance of function in form. Let us honor Hartwig's creativity and be inspired by his vision as we celebrate this momentous anniversary.

A chess set through the ages

A full century after its creation, Bauhaus Chess stands as a shining monument to Josef Hartwig's creative genius and the enduring legacy of the Bauhaus. It is far more than just a chess set - it is a work of art of timeless elegance and ceaseless relevance. The clean lines and purist forms of the chess pieces are a living echo of the Bauhaus principle "form follows function," a principle that defines and shapes movement.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous anniversary. Immerse yourself in the compelling story of Bauhaus Chess, be inspired by Josef Hartwig's visionary creativity, and discover how this revolutionary chess game reshaped our understanding of design and function. Together, we celebrate a century of Bauhaus excellence and honor the timeless aesthetic of Hartwig's unique chess set.