Marvelous, Michael Ricker (Am., 1940-2006) Ltd. Ed. Pewter "Chess Sets / Sealife, Underwater Games"

Michael Ricker (American, 1940-2006) was an accomplished Colorado based artist with a focus on sculpture. Ricker began creating pewter, collectible sculpture in 1968. Ricker's process involves use of Old English Pewter ingots which are melted down to cast limited edition sculptures and other works of art. By 1991, construction of a new museum, gallery and casting studio had been completed which further enhanced the collectabilty of his limited edition sculptural works of art.
Ricker passed away in 2006, and his brother and sister created the company known as Designs By Ricker where they continue to carry on production of his fabulous work.

This exquisitely crafted, limited edition chess set comes with 32 total pieces (16 per side), together with a fabulously crafted chess board, with a wooden frame and inlaid mirrored squares.
The work comes with a copy of of its official Certificate of Title, denoting the works title and series - Chess Sets / Sealife, Underwater Games, hallmark number of casting No. 74, issue price $2500., total castings limited to 150, date of casting 1997, appraised value $4250., and date of appraisal 26-Sep-05.

The complete chess set features 32 marvelously cast pewter pieces, 16 with a pewter patina and 16 with gilt finish to designate between the two teams.
The artist has drawn from mythical and natural sea creatures including 8 pawns a side (16 in total) are formed as a coral form pedestal with an open clam shell with a faux pearl affixed within in the front row, with 4 total fabulously cast seaweed form rooks, seahorse form knights, leaping dolphin form bishops and King Triton with his three pronged Trident as a King and a mermaid with a crown both pieces embellished with blue inlaid faux stones for further decoration.

The pieces stand proudly on the well constructed, decorative chess board.

Playing pieces range in size from: 2 5/8"H - 5 3/4“H
Chess board: 1"H x 22 5/8"W x 22 7/8"D

Condition: Good overall, very gentle wear to the finish of some pieces but overall in fabulous condition and presents marvelously.