Large Basket Weave Chess Set with Leaf Scrolls and Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia
Four woven panels — one in the middle of each side — are carved into the dark-stained frame of this chess set, with acanthus and wheat scrolls at the corners and a carry handle cut through each end. 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open, handmade in Armenia from beech, with 32 turned pieces, felt inside and a bag.
This is the wooden chess set that looks upholstered from across the room. Each oval panel is cut as strips passing over and under each other with a stippled ground in the gaps, the corner sprays of leaf and wheat stand in relief, and the outline waves in scallops between them. The squares are inlaid pale and dark with the coordinates on brass discs, and the 32 pieces are turned with fine carved detail, pale on one side and dark on the other.
Both handles are cut straight through the frame, so the 23.6 in board can be carried by its handles, and it folds to half its width on bronze hinges over two felt-lined wells that keep the pieces from knocking together. Big enough for a serious game, built to be put away.
Specifications
- Size: 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open
- Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with inlaid pale and brown squares; black felt lining inside
- Carving: basket-weave panel in the middle of each side, acanthus and wheat scrolls at the corners on a stippled ground, waved edge, brass coordinate discs
- Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces with carved detail, 16 pale and 16 dark
- Folded: 11.8 × 23.6 in (30 × 60 cm)
- Carry handle: cut through each end
- Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding carved beech chess board with carry handles and felt-lined interior
- 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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Woven in the wood: four oval panels of real over-and-under strips, with leaf sprays at every corner.
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Large folding board: the 23.6 in playing surface folds in half, with a cut-out handle at each end.
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Felt inside: two lined wells hold the 32 pieces so nothing marks in transit.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is the weave carved? Yes. Each strip of the weave is cut to pass over and under its neighbours, with the ground between them stippled by hand, and the leaf and wheat sprays at the corners are carved in relief from the same beech. The handles are cut through the frame, the squares are inlaid wood, and the coordinates are brass discs. Nothing is printed.
What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free worldwide and tracked. Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.
How do I look after it? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.
