Staunton chess sets with ornate/creative rook designs

Sort:
Avatar of WandelKoningin

I’ve wondered why nothing creative is done anymore with the rooks, as the pre-Staunton sets showed so much variation; some actual towers with delicate brickwork—some with flags on top—while others took a more abstract approach with tulip-like multi-segmented pillars.

I guess one potential answer to why this isn’t done much is because of the Staunton standardization; another answer is that intricate knights already take so much skill and time to produce, so why would you complicate things with the rooks, which are currently one of the easier pieces to produce?

But I’m curious, are there Staunton sets with more intricate or creative rook designs? I can only think of two myself:

The Česká Klubovka set doesn’t have a creative rook design per se, but I found it a pleasure to see one with brickwork. I find it adds a lot of visual interest. Is that perhaps why this isn’t generally done—because it’s distracting?

The other example that delighted me is Noj’s Best Chessmen Ever set, featuring a rook designed like a tower with a gate and a little window. Such charming details!

Are there any other sets that take a more compelling approach to the rook design?

Avatar of CavanPawn

Avatar of mjeman

That's pretty ornate. Is it your own design and printing?

Avatar of CavanPawn

No, just thought it was interesting.