Man Ray Chess Set

$210 ~~$420~~ In stock

This design was inspired by Man Ray's lifelong friendship with avid chess player and fellow artist Marcel Duchamp. In this re-edition of the 1920s Wooden Chess Set, a metal version of which is in the MoMA collection, Man Ray translates traditional chess pieces in geometric forms. Chess set and board sold separately.

Made in Germany from solid beechwood with clear lacquered and black painted finishes; wool felt pads.

Customer Reviews (4.7 / 5 · 3 reviews)

Hazel J. ★★★★★ Sep 14, 2026

Bought this as a gift for a friend who's obsessed with Duchamp, and the 1920s wooden design got an immediate laugh of recognition. The pieces feel properly carved rather than cheap, and it looks great just sitting out on the coffee table between games.

Julian ★★★★★ Sep 13, 2026

The weight of these pieces is what sold me — they sit heavy on the board and don't slide around mid-game. Knowing the design came out of that friendship with Duchamp makes it feel less like a novelty and more like a real object. It's been sitting out on my coffee table ever since.

Samuel ★★★★☆ Sep 15, 2026

The wooden pieces have a nice weight and the board itself looks great on my coffee table. Only gripe is that the kings and queens are a bit hard to tell apart at a glance, but that's part of the charm I guess.