Japanese Chess Set is a Japanese-inspired reinterpretation of the classic chess set, drawing influence from the culture, architecture, folklore, and social hierarchy of Japan’s Edo period. Originally designed as part of a Wood and Culture course in my industrial design degree, the project reimagines each chess piece as a historical figure or cultural symbol—including the Emperor, Shogun, Priest, Dragon, Merchant, and Castle. Each piece has been refined into a clean, minimal form while retaining key visual characteristics of its inspiration. For example, the King's hexagonal base is inspired by the structure of the Emperor's throne.

Check out the PDF product book from my course, describing the whole design process