A symbol of beauty and crystallized perfection, Baccarat has been transforming the magic of crystal into timeless masterpieces since last 250 years. This year, the luxury French manufacturer of fine crystal glassware is celebrating sestercentennial of being timeless legend, by unveiling a limited edition crystal chess.
Baccarat has commissioned Oki Sato, founder of Japanese design studio Nendo, to the design a dazzling edition of one of the world’s most popular games. To mark the brand’s 250th anniversary, only 50 of this luxurious chess will be made available. It takes 200 hours to chisel out the 32 chessmen from midnight blue and clear crystal. The chess pieces of this commemorative edition of game truly resemble Baccarat’s iconic Harcourt glasses. Expected to sport a $27,300 tag, the Baccarat Nendo Chess will be on every collector’s wish list. It is not exclusively designed to just make a few moves to beat your opponent. This limited edition chess will make a deeper statement about your love for the game as well as the depth of your pockets.
Product designer Oki Sato, stated, “Baccarat has a very long history and tradition, but there is always fun in the product, and I wanted to express that.”
The renowned crystal manufacturer also has more on the cards to continue the celebration. WWD reports that Baccarat has inaugurated a yearlong exhibition displaying the house’s art de vivre at the brand’s museum in Paris. New York City will also witness the celebrations as the French maison is set to add crystal touch to the Bergdorf Goodman windows based on “Fire and Ice” theme in February. This will be followed by doing up windows of a number of department stores around the world. The Big Apple will also score a vantage point with the opening of the first Baccarat Hotel & Residences later this year in New York.
