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.
Picture of Bauhaus Chessboard

Bauhaus Chessboard

The Bauhaus Chessboard combines the principles of Bauhaus design with the strategic spirit of chess.
195,00 €

Josef Hartwig’s Bauhaus Chess Set – Form Follows Function

Few objects embody the spirit of the Bauhaus as perfectly as the Bauhaus Chess Set designed by Josef Hartwig in 1923. Created during his time at the Bauhaus school in Weimar, the set is more than just a board game — it is a sculptural manifesto of modernist thought. Each piece is reduced to its essential geometry, reflecting the movement’s goal to unify art, design, and craftsmanship through functionality and form.

A Radical Redesign of the Chess Game

Traditional chess pieces often rely on ornamental detail. Hartwig broke with this tradition by designing figures based on geometric shapes that visually represent their range of movement. The knight is an angular L-shape, the bishop has a diagonal cut, and the rook is a cube — a brilliant example of “form follows function.” This approach makes the game intuitive, educational, and aesthetic all at once — a Bauhaus principle brought to life.

Bauhaus Philosophy in Every Move

The Bauhaus Chess Set challenges players to not only engage in strategic thinking but also to interact with design in its purest form. Every figure becomes a tactile and intellectual experience. Hartwig’s work encourages us to think about everyday objects differently — to see the beauty in logic, structure, and abstraction. It reflects the Bauhaus ideal: design is not a luxury, but a cultural necessity.

Certified Bauhaus Reproduction

Today, the chess set is produced as a licensed reissue under strict adherence to Josef Hartwig’s original specifications. These official reproductions are handcrafted with precision and come with a certificate of authenticity. They are not merely games, but collectible pieces of 20th-century design history — showcased in museums around the world, including the MoMA in New York and the Bauhaus Museum in Weimar.

Design Icons for the Modern Mind

The original Bauhaus chess set is ideal for those who appreciate minimalism, modern art, and functional design. Whether displayed in a home, office, or gallery, it serves as a conversation piece and timeless gift for thinkers, designers, and collectors alike. A perfect synthesis of culture, design and play — true to the legacy of the Bauhaus.