The original pieces of art - the unique chess sets and sculptures of mammoth tusk and rare sorts of wood can enrich your collection, decorate your interior or become a luxury gift!

Articles and references

Articles about Oleg were published in different art, design and style magazines. The last publication was made in the annual issue “The Best of the Best” of “Robb Report”, where the “Knights design” was represented. Later the publication was made in the russian edition of Robb Report.

Cees Hogendoorn (Netherlands) -

a collector of the modern art, an owner of a gallery

During the years I have been interested in Russian fine art and I am always searching for the best. Besides pieces of antiques I have never seen contemporary sculptures equal to the work of Oleg Raikis. I like to take this opportunity to estimate his work as a treasure from Russia to the international word of fine art.

Gareth Williams (UK) -

executive Board Member, Chess Collectors International, UK, editor-in-chief of “The Chess Collector”

These artistic and functional chess sets, have been much admired within our international membership, where they take a proud place in collections in Russia, the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Israel and England.

James McCain (USA) –

a chess collector, ex vice-president of “General Electrics”

I collect Chess Sets and three years ago while contemplating the purchase of another special Chess Set for my collection I became very interested in the work of Oleg Raikis. This interest had grown as Oleg has found the means to combine the past with the future through his unique Chess Set designs that dynamically combine the raw beauty of mammoth ivory with Oleg's design patterns, designs that spring original from the innermost regions of his heart and soul.

My friend Oleg Raikis has become world famous, in particular among the members of the Chess Collectors International Association, for this original work.

In addition to the idea of these Chess Sets as works of Art, one must also appreciate the craftsmanship that is exhibited in the manual working of the mammoth ivory, a material that is generally over 20,000 years of age and that comes with a unique set of fabrication problems that must be overcome by the craftsmen at his workshop who turn Oleg's ideas into physical works of Art.

In my own opinion, as a Chess Player, the final tribute to be paid to Oleg is that his sets are playable….the design of each piece reflecting its position and power on the board. It is not enough to create original design when developing these Chess Sets as they should always be the type of "working" Art that combines form with function...designs that in the end are so correct as to be true to the game. I now have three of Oleg's sets and while to look at them brings me great joy, to play them brings me great satisfaction.

Elizabeth Gann (USA) –

a specialist in the fields of chess sets and antiques, Oleg’s representative in the USA and Canada. Her company was mentioned in the annual issue “The best of the best” of the magazine “Robb Report” (USA), as the best antique and chess sets company

Surpassing the artistry of the past, creating Masterpieces that will become Legacies to the future,
The Master Artist, Oleg Raikis...

Peter Ramm PhD (Canada) –

a collector of art

A few years ago I became aware that chess sets can be more than utilitarian. Investigation on the internet brought me to Oleg’s work, and I found his style intriguing. Ordering a custom set was an interactive process, in which Oleg and I (mostly Oleg) found models for the pieces and discussed drawings. This interaction was enjoyable in itself, and assured that the set would meet my expectations. I was delighted with the artist, and with the set as delivered. I would look forward to working with Oleg again.

Syd Freer (UK) –

a collector of chess sets, netsuke and European sculpture of ivory and wood

Dear Oleg,
…Just a few words to let you know how very pleased I am with your work
especially the soldier,the chess sets are first…
Yours Sincererly.

Igor Ioganson (Russia) -

a sculptor and literary man, a member of Russian Federation of Artists,

a member of Russian Federation of Writers

The works of Oleg Raikis have a rare quality that is long-lasting existence of their images in human unconsciousness. Simply saying, once seen, its image doesn’t fade. It's amazing that these small works look the most monumental and havethe most influence on surrounding space. His works give a lot of pleasure for a sensitive and perceptive person. As a professional, I am under the impression of the unique quality of these works. I could only wish further creative success to the Master and an opportunity to estimate his rare and extraordinary talent to those who love art.