My Oleg Raikis commission has arrived. The Raikislai Series Chess Pieces.

Splendid!

Darn that is nice! Please forgive my ignorance but I did need an introduction as I was not familiar with this fellow. Your set is exceptionally nice looking. Thanks for sharing and enjoy. 

Absolutely Stunning... I don't even want to know how much that set you back

My wallet is still stunned and limp from the purchase. A set like this starts at 1000 Euro for the base set with the Jaques-style Knights as seen displayed off by the sides of the board next to the extra Queens in the photos. The price quickly goes up from there depending on the "extras". This ballpark price is just to give you an idea of what it might cost. 

If you want to talk specifics, I rather keep it off the public forums. But feel free to message me, and I'll point you in the right direction  

The emotional aspect of it's value,not to mention stunning beauty and penultimate quality,is worth the high price.....Hard to dispute that.....Even for a wife-

+1

Wow gorgeous. i saw one of his sets on eBay for 15k. Nice work if you can do it.

Enjoy!

The knights look like they're singing ;o)

ya they are lol

@Pawnerai Now we are 7 months after you received this exquisite set. Would you mind sharing your experiences so far? Just some more questions: Does it ever see play? How does it handle?Are the pieces weighted? What is the weight of the set (incl. a single Knight design)? Did you have any cracking? Is the boards in your OP 2.25"? How does it compare to a Noj set, which is more or less in a similar price range?

I love them.  Congratulations

Wow, has it been 7 months?? Since the start of the pandemic 2 years ago, my only OTB opponent at home has been an energetic, eight year old boy with questionable dexterity (ie. clumsiness hah!). Truth be told, his preferred set is the Ultimate Butters on a mousepad board. The Raikislai set has not seen a "real" game yet. I do admire it almost everyday though. A pleasant side-effect of the pandemic is the opportunity to work from home full-time. The set is either set up next to me at the computer during the day or in a presentation box within arm's reach. I use the set and board as seen in the OP to follow along with streaming online tournaments. Currently, Tata Steel. 

Size5 9cm/3.5in Kings. Matte finish. Zero cracking. Perfect condition in every way. Although the pieces are unweighted, because of the slender style and wide bases it handles quite well. It does have a delicate "feel" to it. Not in a bad way. Just different. Definitely a set for a slow classical game. Not rapid/blitz/bullet. The board seen in the OP is 2in sq.

I can compare it to a NOJ in 10-11 months when I get to the head of the line

If you're interested in a set, remember the base set has the Jaques style Knights. If you want to get one-of-a-kind, personalized, custom Knights (which I HIGHLY recommend) it's an added cost. A very unique experience. You only live once right? 

@7mokuso  Oleg Raikis can be easily contacted through Facebook. He's surprisingly active on there. Just keep in mind the timezone. He's located in Moscow. 

Feel free to message me, if you have any concerns. 

Below is a terrible, blurry, dim, cell phone pic of the set taken just now. With the extra Queens and alternate set of Knights, it's pretty crowded in there!

Wow, this is one of the most beautiful chess sets I have seen. I will have to get my own set from him sooner rather than later!!

Hi Pawnerai, are the black pieces ebonized? Do you ever worry about chips or scratches revealing the light wood underneath?

There are +50 year old, used and abused chess pieces on eBay stored loose, rattling in a wood box with hardly any damage to the black surfaces. In 50 years when I'm eating through a straw, a ding or two on the black pieces will be the least important thing on what's left of my mind. LOL

It just might be the only thing left of your mind.😉 But what a way to go eh?👍