Michael Anthony Ricker (American, 1940 to 2006). North American Wildlife pewter chess set, 1994. Number 112 of 138. Signed with date on versos of kings and queens. A stunning and quite rare pewter chess set featuring chess pieces in the form of North American wildlife complete with a forest green and gold colored chessboard by American artist Michael Ricker. Expertly crafted with pewter patina and gilt finish, the set features owls serving as pawns, eagles as rooks, mountain lions as knights, bears as bishops, and, of course, the noble elk serving as king and queen. Michael Ricker was an accomplished Colorado based artist with a focus on sculpture. Ricker began creating collectible pewter sculptures in 1968. Size of largest (king): 3.4" L x 2.25" W x 5.6" H (8.6 cm x 5.7 cm x 14.2 cm); of board: 19.75" L x 19.75" W x 1.25" H (50.2 cm x 50.2 cm x 3.2 cm)

Michael Ricker learned the art of molding and casting pewter from his father-in-law. 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 collectability of his limited-edition sculptural works of art. The most famous Michael Ricker sculpture is a large-scale model of a 19th century town titled "Park City: America Remembered," done in pewter for President Gerald Ford in 1986. "Park City" is a 30 x 10-foot piece that is located, along with many figural Michael Ricker artworks, at one of several Ricker galleries. 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.

Provenance: private Alpine, Utah, USA collection, acquired

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#185160

Complete chess set with board. Signed with date on versos of kings and queens. Two areas of chipping to board with some nicks to peripheries and peeling / loosening to protective felt on underside of board. Otherwise, pieces are all intact with nice detail.