ABOUT THE WORK
Handmade ceramic chess pieces are an original gaming object that interprets the classic iconography of chess through a sculptural form and the materiality of black ceramic. The figures are elongated, matte, with a roughened surface in places, and gold accents highlight the motifs of crowns, symbols of power, and compositional centers. This is a collection in which the logic of the game merges with the language of small plastic arts.
History
The figures in this set are not created as neutral game elements, but as independent characters. Their silhouettes are emphasized, vertical, with a clear center of gravity. The figures of the king and queen have a ceremonial posture, while the towers and other figures have a more restrained, but no less refined form. The composition is based not on color, but on the tension between material depth and solid volume (instead of the usual division of black and white figures, a dark solid whole is chosen here, in which gold and platinum decor is used to create contrast).
The symbolic dimension is also important in this set. A chessboard always means more than just a game: it speaks of decision, strategy, foresight and the balance of power. Crowns, gold fragments and the more monumental proportions of the pieces reinforce this motif. This is a set in which ornate signs are combined with a restrained, focused posture of the pieces.
Stylistically, the work is close to ceremonial, neo-baroque and neo-gothic aesthetics, but remains contemporary. There are historical allusions here, but they are not copied, but processed into an authorial, sculptural language.
Combination ideas
This collection looks best in a dark, restrained interior. It is close to deep surfaces, wood, stone, glass, metal, and directional lighting. It can be displayed in a library, study, or space where excessive decorativeness is not important, but a strong character of the object.
Occasion
Collectible gift for a chess connoisseur | Office or library accent | Gift for someone who appreciates original art objects
CARE OF CHAMOMILE SCULPTURES AND INTERIOR DECORATIVE ITEMS
Fine-grained chamotte sculptures, due to their often more porous, often unglazed surface, are more sensitive to abrasion, dirt absorption, and improper wet cleaning; the most important prevention: dry cleaning.
Precious metal lusters (gold, platinum, palladium, etc.) have a thin overglaze coating, fired at a lower temperature, and are therefore more vulnerable to abrasives and friction; it is recommended to maintain such decors gently, by hand, without scrubbing.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Chamotte is a high-temperature fired and crushed clay material that is mixed into the mass. It reduces drying/firing shrinkage, helps dry more evenly, and can increase resistance to thermal stresses (especially in larger-shaped items), but can also leave the surface with a more porous and "receptive" texture (especially if unglazed).
This maintenance is intended for fine-grained chamotte sculptures, interior decor items (often more massive forms), which may be unglazed or partially/glazed.
CLEANING
Dry cleaning (basic method): remove dust with a soft brush and „drive“ it into a vacuum cleaner with minimal suction. Do not use rough cloths - this increases the risk of scratches and fading of the decor.
Wet cleaning only exceptionally: „washing“ or soaking is not recommended – especially if there is porosity, old repairs or unclear condition. If it is necessary (e.g. sticky dirt), consult a specialist first.
COMPARISON OF MATERIALS
| Material | Decor | Is it dishwasher safe? | Recommended cleaning | Risks |
| Fine fraction chamotte | There is no luster. | No | Dry cleaning: soft brush, vacuum cleaner with minimum suction; wet cleaning – only exceptionally | Surface stains from grease/touch; scratched |
| Fine fraction chamotte | Precious metal luster (local) | No | Minimal contact: dry, ultra-gentle wiping | Measuring polished areas; damage to decorative coating |
Gilding/luster is a thin overglaze layer, easily damaged by abrasion and will wear away over time if not properly maintained.
LITERATURE
SIO-2. (n.d.). What is grog and what is it used for? https://www.sio-2.com/gb/blog/tips-information/what-is-grog-and-what-is-it-used-for
National Park Service. (2008). Museum handbook: Ceramics. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/museums/upload/08-01_508.pdf
Canadian Conservation Institute. (n.d.). Care of ceramics and glass. https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-ceramics-glass.html
Lithuanian National Museum of Art. (nd). Pranas Gudynas Restoration Center – activities. https://www.lndm.lt/struktura/pgrc_veikla/
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