Rare De Coene Chess Set With Original Box, Attributed To Christophe Gevers, Belgium

This iconic schaakspel (chess set) was most likely designed by the influential Belgian architect‑designer Christophe Gevers (1928–2007) in the 1950s and produced by the renowned furniture manufacturer De Coene. The set is a masterclass in mid-century modernism, featuring abstract, geometric wooden pieces that simplify traditional chess forms. Typically crafted from high-quality woods like teak or rosewood, reflecting De Coene's reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. The innovative cardboard storage functions as a sliding sleeve or case, where the pieces can be tucked away when not in play.

The pieces, turned from contrasting woods, reveal a sensitivity to material and proportion: cones, cylinders, and subtly varied silhouettes distinguish rank and function with quiet precision. Their presence on the board is almost sculptural, transforming the game into a landscape of rhythm, balance, and abstraction. The wooden board itself complements the ensemble with its clean lines and warm tonal interplay, reinforcing the set’s modernist clarity.

Adding to its rarity and desirability, the chess set is accompanied by its original De Coene box; an evocative artifact that underscores the piece’s provenance and mid‑century heritage. The box bears the unmistakable De Coene branding, a reminder of the company’s long-standing reputation for craftsmanship and innovation in Belgian furniture and decorative arts.