A good handmade chess set, crafted with intricate details, is a true work of art and it can be a source of everlasting joy for the chess aficionado. The intensive labour put in by master craftsmen constitutes the major portion of the cost of a chess set. Artisans spend days and sometimes weeks to painstaking carve a beautiful chess set out of a log of wood and hence warrants the use of the best woods possible. The selection of woods can make or mar the beauty of the chess set. Different types of woods offer unique characteristics in terms of color, grain patterns, hardness, and durability. We will explore some of the most commonly used woods in the creation of handmade chess sets in this blog post. As the best chess sets in the world are made in India so mostly the native woods of India are used in making the best chess sets.
Ebony:
Ebony is highly regarded for its deep black color and smooth texture. It is one of the densest and hardest woods available. This ebony wood is so dense and heavy that this property makes ebony wood the only wood which even sinks in water. This property also gives chess pieces a substantial weight and a luxurious feel. Ebony has a fine and even grain pattern, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. It is often used for the darker pieces in a chess set, creating a striking contrast with lighter-colored woods. Interestingly, the leaves of this tree are used to roll an indigenous traditional cigarette called “Bidi”which is believed to have medicinal properties. Ebony wood is used in the manufacture of Luxury chess sets.
Boxwood:
Boxwood is a popular choice for the lighter-colored pieces in a chess set, especially in combination with darker woods like ebony or rosewood. It has a pale yellow to cream color, with a fine and uniform grain pattern. Boxwood is a dense and hard wood, making it suitable for detailed carving. Its light color provides an excellent contrast to showcase intricate designs and detailing on the chess pieces. Boxwood is used in all kind of chess sets be it economy, mid-range or luxury chess sets.
Padauk:
This blood red wood is extensively used to make chess pieces now a days. This is generally imported from Africa and is a replacement to the sander wood which has been banned in India because of extensive logging. Padauk wood is used in the manufacture of Luxury chess sets.
Sheesham:
Sheesham, also known as golden rosewood, is widely used in the creation of chess sets. It has a medium to dark brown color with distinct grain patterns that vary from straight to wavy. Sheesham is a durable and heavy wood extensively available in north India. This economic wood is well-suited for economy to mid-range chess piecesl. Its warm tones and attractive grain make it a popular choice for both casual and professional chess sets.
Maple:
Maple is a light-colored wood that is often used in combination with darker woods to create a contrasting effect in chess boards. It has a pale yellow to off-white color with a fine, uniform grain pattern. Maple is a hard and dense wood, which makes it resistant to wear and tear.
Rosewood:
Rosewood is a popular choice for chess sets due to its rich, dark reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns. It is known for its durability and ability to withstand regular use. Rosewood is a dense and heavy wood, which gives chess pieces a solid and substantial feel. Its elegant appearance makes it a preferred choice for high-quality, luxury chess sets. Rose wood is used in the manufacture of mid-range to Luxury chess sets.
Mahogany:
Mahogany is a classic choice for chess boards, known for its reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns. It has a medium density and is relatively easy to work with, making it suitable for chess boards. Mahogany offers a warm and inviting aesthetic, and it ages beautifully, deepening in color over time.
These are just a few examples of the many types of woods used in the creation of handmade chess sets. Each wood offers unique characteristics that contribute to the overall appearance and quality of the set. The choice of wood depends on personal preference, desired aesthetics, and the level of craftsmanship required for the chess set. Whether it’s the rich tones of rosewood, the contrasting colors of ebony and boxwood, or the warmth of mahogany, the selection of wood plays a vital role in creating a visually stunning and functional chess set.
