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Bauhaus Chess Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Bauhaus Chess Set
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bauhaus Chess Set

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.10142011-1-1.a-gg
Object Type Set, Chess
Artist (German, 1880 - 1956)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood
DimensionsOverall - 3D (a. Board) H 1/2 in x W 14 1/8 in x D 14 1/8 in (1.3 cm x 35.9 cm x 35.9 cm )
Other (b, r. King) H 1 7/8 in x W 1 in x D 1 in (4.8 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
Other (c, s. Queen) H 2 in x W 1 in x D 1 in (5.1 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
Other (d-e, t-u. Bishop) H 1 in x W 1 in x D 1 in (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
Other (f-g, v-w. Knight) H 1 in x W 1 in x D 1 in (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
Other (h-i, x-y. Rooks) H 1 in x W 1 in x D 1 in (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm )
Other (j-q, z-gg. Pawn) H 3/4 in x W 3/4 in x D 3/4 in (1.9 cm x 1.9 cm x 1.9 cm )
Storage (For game pieces) H 1 5/8 in x W 17 3/8 in x D 2 7/8 in (4.1 cm x 44.1 cm x 7.3 cm )

Physical DescriptionBauhaus chess set with wooden board and pieces. The pieces are carved into various geometric shapes, such as cube, cylinder, and sphere, corresponding to each piece's pattern of movement on the board in line with the Bauhaus design philosophy.
Historical NotePresented during the President's official visit to Germany on June 5th, 2009, where he visited Dresden, Landstuhl, and the Buchenwald concentration camp.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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