Chessmen (30) and box 1858 - 1870

This is a chess set with thirty pieces and box, made from wood by Byron W. Stanton. The choice of wood gives these pieces a tactile warmth, a sense of being directly connected to the material world. Looking closely, you can see the marks of the making process, which likely involved carving and whittling. The grain of the wood is visible, giving each piece a unique texture and character, and the forms are simplified, almost geometrical. The chess pieces have been stylized with the fine, patient skill of a woodworker, drawing on centuries of tradition. This contrasts with the mass-produced, often plastic, chess sets that are common today. Stanton's set speaks to a different kind of engagement with objects, one that emphasizes the value of handcrafted skill and the beauty of natural materials. It reminds us that even something as familiar as a game can be an opportunity for artistic expression and a celebration of the handmade. By considering the materials and the making of this chess set, we can appreciate its deeper cultural significance.