Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games played around the world. It is a game that requires immense focus, strategy, and critical thinking skills. Apart from being a source of entertainment, chess is also a way to challenge oneself intellectually. However, chess is not just about the game itself, but also the equipment that is used to play it. The chess set is a crucial component of the game, and it is available in different materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. In this blog post, we will focus on handmade wooden chess sets and why they are expensive.
Handmade Wooden Chess Sets
Punjab, a state located in the northern part of India, is famous for its handmade wooden chess sets. These chess sets are made from high-quality wood such as Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, Bud Rosewood, ebony wood for the dark side, and boxwood for the light side. The artisans who make these chess sets are highly skilled and have been practicing their craft for generations. They use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand.
Why are Handmade Wooden Chess Sets Expensive?
There are several reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons:
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Quality of Wood
One of the main reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive is the quality of wood used. The artisans in Punjab, India, use only the best quality wood to make these chess sets. Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, bud rosewood, and ebony wood are all premium woods that are known for their durability, strength, and beauty. These woods are also known for their resistance to warping and cracking, making them ideal for chess pieces that will be used frequently.
2. Skilled Artisans
The artisans who make these handmade wooden chess sets are highly skilled and have years of experience in their craft. They have developed their skills through years of practice and are considered experts in their field. These artisans use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand. This level of skill and expertise is not easy to come by, and it is one of the reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are so expensive.
3. Time and Effort
Handmade wooden chess sets require a significant amount of time and effort to make. Each chess piece is carved and shaped by hand, which can take hours, if not days, to complete. The artisans in Punjab, India, work tirelessly to create these intricate chess pieces, and their efforts are reflected in the final product. The time and effort that goes into making each chess piece by hand is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.
4. Unique Designs
Handmade wooden chess sets are often unique and one-of-a-kind. The artisans who make these chess sets use their creativity and imagination to come up with designs that are not available in mass-produced sets. This uniqueness adds to the value of the chess set and is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.
5. Limited Production
Handmade wooden chess sets are often produced in limited quantities. This is because the process of making each chess piece by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, the production of these chess sets is limited to a few pieces per month or year. Limited production means that the demand for these chess sets often exceeds the supply, which drives up the price.
6. Brand Name
Finally, the brand name associated with handmade wooden chess sets can also contribute to their high price. Chessbazaar, for example, is a leading chess manufacturer in the world that works closely with artisans in Punjab, India, to produce high-quality handmade wooden chess sets. The brand name and reputation associated with Chessbazaar add to the value of their handmade wooden chess sets.
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