Lukasz WICIARZ, GLADIATOR Chess with the autograph of chess master - JAN KRZYSZTOF DUDY; 2023

Chessboard: 60 x 60 cm; chess figures: 16 cm.
Chess figures carved from linden wood, patinated, weighted, glued with felt; chessboard case inlaid with veneer, inside lined with felt.
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Lukasz Wiciarz for more than a dozen years has been running a woodcarving workshop where unique, passionately created hand-carved chess pieces are created. They can be found in many collections around the world, one piece is in the possession of Gordon Matthew Sumner known as Sting. The chess pieces created in Krakow by the artist are played by champions including Jan Krzysztof Duda - Polish chess player, grandmaster since 2013. Winner of the FIDE World Cup in 2021.
The chess pieces on display were created especially for the auction for TEAM KRAKÓW their colors are a reference to the flags of Poland and Ukraine, intricately crafted in the only unique piece the chess pieces were autographed by Polish chess grandmaster Jan Krzysztof Duda who is the highest ever ranked Pole in the FIDE world ranking in all categories.
TEAM KRAKÓW Foundation, helps refugees from Ukraine who are in Krakow and civilians who still remain in Ukraine. They support hospitals, orphanages, orphanages, nursing homes, among others. They organize humanitarian transports to where there is the greatest need such as Nikolaev, Kherson, Kharkiv, Bakhmut Region, etc. They also support centers that take care of displaced people who have lost everything.
So far, the foundation has managed to give the needy in Krakow as well as transport over 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
In addition, they help evacuate people from Ukraine. So far they have managed to evacuate more than 200 people.

Auction goal:
The entire amount raised from the auction will be used to help children in Poland as well as in Ukraine. Priority is given to children orphaned by warfare. The funds raised will be used to purchase: food, school supplies, medical supplies, toys, shoes, hygiene items.