Kurt Naef
Twenty years ago, in May 2006, Kurt Naef looked back on his life’s work together with many visitors at an exhibition at the Children’s Museum in Baden. The exhibition centered on the publication of the book “Kurt Naef – Der Spielzeugmacher/The Toymaker,” which showcases his multifaceted work. No one suspected at the time that his final farewell was imminent, as the inventor of numerous toys passed away in November of that year at the age of 80. An exhibition is now being held in his honor at the same location. Kurt Naef, whose 100th birthday would have been this year, devoted a large part of his life to the concept of playing, and the creation of toys.
For three generations, his toys have been found in children’s rooms, in cribs, on shelves in living rooms, or on desks, some of them carefully packed away and patiently waiting for their next use. It is often difficult to tell how much they’ve been used, because quality was the top priority for the designer of these toys. They should look nice, with harmonious colors and shapes, and be pleasant to touch. They should offer a variety of play options and invite experimentation. As a trained carpenter and certified interior designer, wood was the obvious material of choice for him to realize his ideas and visions. In 1956, Kurt Naef invented his first building game made of wooden cubes with diagonal cuts, which allowed for more sophisticated constructions than conventional building blocks. Naef-Spiel (Naef Toys) was born and has been in continuous production ever since. Later, Kurt Naef turned his attention to toys for the very youngest of children, as there was a lack of well-designed products on the market for little ones.
He created grasping toys for babies such as Kauring (chew ring), Baby Balls, and Ringli Ring, items that are still manufactured and in demand today. Kurt Naef worked tirelessly and persistently, trying out new ideas and producing prototypes. Around 60 products designed by him were sold successfully for decades and some are still on the market today.
Naef Spiel Edition 100
As a tribute to Kurt Naef on the 100th anniversary of our founder’s birth, we present an edition whose color palette is inspired by the very first Naef toy versions of the 1960s. This special commemoration is available both in a limited edition and as an exclusive Signature Edition, numbered and restricted to just 200 pieces. It is a true collector’s item and the perfect introduction to the vibrant history of its creator.
Only Signature Edition: Exclusive Collector’s Item: Strictly limited and numbered as a Signature Edition of only 200 pieces worldwide. Features a printed signature of Kurt Naef.
Historical Palette: The refined, satin-finish color scheme is inspired by the first Naef toy editions from the 1960s, bringing pure retro charm into a modern context.
Only Signature Edition: Premium Packaging: The packaging for the Signature Edition is enhanced with a sophisticated UV spot varnish for a distinctive gloss effect, and includes an exclusive booklet.
Infinite Geometric Fascination: The iconic recesses of the blocks allow for seemingly impossible constructions, delicate towers, and fascinating optical illusions.
Sculptural Design Object: Whether used as a creative tool on your desk or as a minimalist centerpiece on a shelf – this piece perfectly blends design with playful elegance.
Design
Kurt Naef
Material
Maple
Dimensions
20 x 20 x 5 cm
Contains
15 Naef Spiel cubes, 8 Naef Spiel mini cubes, booklet, inlet.