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Offered for sale is "The System," an original, one-of-a-kind chess set personally created for me by artist Stephen Mosher while he was incarcerated in the Arizona Department of Corrections in approximately 2010–2011.
Stephen created this chess set as a personal gift to express his appreciation for the kindness and support I showed him during a difficult period in his life. It has remained in my personal collection ever since and is being offered for sale for the first time.
About the Artwork
"The System" is a powerful artistic interpretation of life within the prison system. Rather than a traditional chess match, the set symbolizes the conflict between incarcerated individuals and institutional authority.
Every chess piece was individually hand-sculpted and hand-painted by Stephen Mosher. The figures were created using traditional prison art techniques from a hardened bread-and-paper composite with binding materials, then carefully painted by hand. Each piece displays its own unique personality, expression, and character.
The White Side
The white side represents incarcerated individuals dressed in bright orange Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) uniforms. The pawns carry improvised weapons, while the bishops hold Bibles, reflecting the contrasting realities of prison life.
The Black Side
The black side portrays prison guards, wardens, and institutional authority figures wearing badges, uniforms, and carrying batons. Together, both sides create a thought-provoking commentary on power, survival, and life inside the correctional system.
The Royal Pieces
The kings and queens feature exaggerated facial expressions, colorful hair, and distinctive sculptural details that highlight the artist's creativity and his interpretation of authority, hierarchy, and individuality.
Condition
This chess set has been carefully preserved in my personal collection since I received it in approximately 2010–2011. It has been displayed in a glass display case and handled only when necessary with cotton gloves.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no chips, cracks, repairs, or significant signs of wear. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the set.
Provenance
I am the original recipient and owner of this chess set. It was personally created for me by Stephen Mosher while he was incarcerated in the Arizona Department of Corrections and has remained in my possession ever since. It has never been offered for sale until now.
Very few Stephen Mosher chess sets have surfaced publicly. At least one other prison-themed chess set attributed to him has appeared in an archived public sale, making works of this type exceptionally scarce.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire an original work of American prison art with direct provenance from the original owner.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests for additional photographs before purchasing.
