The $2,500 Assouline Empire Chess Set Turns a Classic Game Into Luxury Art
Luxury publisher Assouline has built its reputation on producing some of the most recognizable coffee table books in the world. Now, the brand is bringing that same appreciation for craftsmanship and visual storytelling to the game room. The Assouline Empire Chess Set, priced at $2,500, transforms one of the world’s oldest strategy games into an elegant piece of functional art.
Constructed from walnut, leather, aluminum and brass, the Empire Chess Set combines traditional materials with contemporary design. A subtle reference to celebrated artist Jean-Michel Basquiat adds another layer of cultural significance, making this far more than an ordinary chessboard. For collectors and design enthusiasts, the appeal extends well beyond winning or losing a match.
A Chess Set Built With Walnut, Leather and Brass
The Assouline Empire Chess Set distinguishes itself through its carefully selected materials and architectural presentation. Its walnut construction provides a warm, natural foundation, while an inlaid pebbled leather playing surface introduces texture typically associated with luxury accessories and fine leather goods. A brushed matte brass border frames the playing area, providing a subtle contrast against the wood and leather. The combination gives the board a sophisticated appearance without relying on excessive ornamentation.
The chess pieces receive equally thoughtful treatment. Crafted from heavyweight sculptural aluminum with brass detailing, they offer a modern interpretation of the traditional king, queen, bishop, knight, rook and pawn. Their metallic finishes complement the board’s warmer materials, creating a cohesive visual presentation. Each piece features a soft polysuede base, while integrated removable drawers provide dedicated storage when the game is not in use. Rather than requiring a separate box for the pieces, the storage becomes part of the board’s overall design.
The result is a chess set that feels equally suited to an evening of competition or a permanent position on a living room table.
A Basquiat-Inspired Detail Gives the Empire Chess Set Its Character
Among the most interesting elements of the Assouline Empire Chess Set is a subtle artistic reference found on the queen. Its crown takes inspiration from the distinctive crown imagery associated with Jean-Michel Basquiat, the influential New York artist whose work helped redefine the relationship between street culture and contemporary fine art.
Basquiat frequently incorporated crowns into his paintings and drawings, using the recurring symbol to recognize figures he admired while exploring themes of identity, power and cultural significance. Assouline’s interpretation introduces that recognizable visual language into a centuries-old game built around kings, queens and strategic power.
The reference is particularly fitting given the queen’s importance on the chessboard. As the game’s most versatile piece, it already carries a sense of authority that complements the symbolism of a crown. While the design draws inspiration from Basquiat’s artistic motifs, the Empire Chess Set is not presented as an official collaboration with the artist’s estate.
Instead, the detail serves as a thoughtful cultural accent within a larger luxury design.
Assouline’s Game Room Collection Brings Luxury to Leisure
The Empire Chess Set is part of Assouline’s broader Game Room offering, which extends the publisher’s design philosophy beyond books and into traditional forms of entertainment. As part of the second chapter of its Library Collection, the assortment explores how familiar recreational objects can become sophisticated additions to a contemporary home.
Other offerings include Pebble Backgammon, dominoes, playing cards and tic-tac-toe, each approaching a recognizable pastime through the lens of premium materials and decorative design. The collection also reflects a natural evolution for a company whose publications frequently celebrate architecture, fashion, travel, automobiles and art.
Where Assouline’s coffee table books bring those subjects into the home through photography and storytelling, its games encourage a more interactive experience. There is also a practical appeal to the concept. Unlike decorative objects that exist solely to be admired, a beautifully constructed board game provides an opportunity for family members, friends and guests to engage with the piece. That balance between presentation and participation is central to the Empire Chess Set’s identity.
Assouline Empire Chess Set Price and Availability
The Assouline Empire Chess Set is priced at $2,500 through the brand’s official website. Measuring 16 inches long by 16 inches wide and 2.4 inches high, the board has a substantial presence without requiring an oversized table. Its listed weight of 16.83 pounds further distinguishes it from lightweight recreational chessboards.
The set is currently available for preorder, with estimated shipping beginning November 9, 2026. At this price, the Empire Chess Set occupies a different category from conventional board games. Its intended audience is likely to include collectors of luxury home accessories, chess enthusiasts who appreciate elevated design and consumers searching for a distinctive statement piece.
Where Chess Meets Luxury Design
The appeal of the Assouline Empire Chess Set ultimately comes down to its ability to serve two purposes without compromising either one. Its walnut construction, leather playing surface and sculptural metallic pieces create an attractive decorative object, while the familiar chessboard preserves the competitive experience that has made the game enduringly popular.
The Basquiat-inspired queen introduces an unexpected cultural connection, adding personality to a design otherwise rooted in traditional luxury materials. At $2,500, the Empire Chess Set certainly isn’t intended for everyone. However, for those who view their homes as an extension of their personal style, it offers something more engaging than another decorative accessory.
It’s a luxury object designed to be admired, handled and played with—and one that doesn’t need to disappear into a cabinet when the game is over.
