@utpic
I would love to see the original vintage King and Queen pieces that inspired you to create your Smyslova set. They must have been quite extraordinary!
On your version of the Smyslova King and Queen, the 2 thin rings of the collar are at slightly different measurement heights between the King and Queen. Was this design decision based on the originals? Or did you specifically want to make the 2 collars different from each other? I like hearing about the thought process.
I just took a photo of the two from a better angle so you can see their relative proportions.
To answer your question, the placement and distance between collars was a design decision on my part in reworking the queen in relation to king and bishop. The higher and slightly more distance between collars of queen compensates for the taller the king. I wanted the qheen to have equal presence while being shorter, and a more dynamic relationship between the three by having the collars not rhyme with the pymamid shape dicated by their respective heights.
That said, I must add that I very much buy into the intuitive working processes of the Soviet craftsmen. I do use calipers but let my eyes have a say too. It is not that important to me that pieces are all the same. It must have the organic non-mechanical feel of a handmade set.
Hope this provides an answer to your question. :-)
@utpic We had spoken last month by Messenger. It's a beautiful, well designed set. Great decision to lengthen the Queen. Thanks for posting pics of the original inspirations and your thought process in the design of the King, Queen, and Bishop collars. Love it!
The gourd-shaped Bishop top is definitely in keeping with the organic form. So unique and beautiful.
I find 53mm board hit the sweet spot for many of my sets. I think a 50, 53 and 55mm boards cover most of the sets out there.
Here is the latest Smyslova I shot on 50mm board, following the tradition of Soviet sets on tight boards.
On 48mm board
My God, you always turn on my desires on purchase more and more material. Beautiful set and combination with those boards.
Thanks for your posts again @TheOneCalledMichael
Nice! Would love to see those Soviet sets when you got them!