Behind the Board: The Artisans Who Craft Chess Sets
When most people think of chess, they picture the game itself—the opening strategies, the famous matches, or the timeless Staunton design. Yet, behind every elegant chess piece and polished board lies a story of craftsmanship that often goes untold. The sets we use today are the product of centuries of tradition, handed down from master carvers and joiners who transform raw materials into works of art. This is the hidden world of the artisans, the people who bring chess sets to life.
The Legacy of Handmade Chess
The history of handmade chess sets goes back centuries. Early versions of the game, such as chaturanga in India or shatranj in Persia, were often played on boards scratched into wood or stone, with pieces crudely carved from bone, ivory, or clay. As the game travelled to Europe, it became not only a pastime but also a status symbol.
By the Middle Ages, chess pieces were often carved by monks or local craftsmen, each adding their own flair to kings, queens, and bishops. The most famous medieval set, the Isle of Lewis chessmen, discovered in Scotland, still captures imaginations with its quirky, expressive figures. Each piece shows the mark of its maker—an individuality that continues to inspire modern reproductions.
The Staunton Revolution and Victorian Craftsmanship
The 19th century changed chess forever with the introduction of the Staunton chess set in 1849. Designed by Nathaniel Cooke and endorsed by Howard Staunton, this new pattern brought clarity and uniformity to the game. The pieces were practical, elegant, and easy to recognise.
But the Staunton set also required new levels of craftsmanship. The knights, in particular, were hand-carved with expressive detail. No machine could replicate the subtle angles of the mane, the proud arch of the neck, or the careful balance needed to keep each piece weighted and stable. The artisans of Jaques of London, the company that first produced Staunton sets, were not only woodworkers but also artists, creating pieces that remain collector’s treasures to this day.
From Forest to Workshop: The Journey of a Wooden Chess Set
Creating a chess set begins long before the carving stage. The choice of wood defines everything that follows:
Boxwood: The classic light material, smooth and versatile for carving.
Ebony: Deep, rich, and luxurious, though rare and expensive.
Rosewood and Padauk: Known for reddish tones and striking natural grain.
Walnut and Maple: Common choices for inlaid boards, offering strong contrast.
Artisans carefully select seasoned wood to prevent warping. Each block must be cut, dried, and prepared before the work begins. A well-made set can take weeks, even months, to complete, with each stage requiring specialist skill.
The Role of the Lathe
Most chess pieces begin on a lathe, a tool that spins the wood while the craftsman shapes it with precision instruments. Pawns, bishops, and rooks—pieces with symmetrical bodies—are typically turned on the lathe before being sanded and polished.
But while machines assist in shaping, the true artistry remains in the details. The curves of a bishop’s mitre or the turret of a rook must be exact, balanced, and proportional. This is where the eye of the craftsman makes all the difference.
The Knight: A Showcase of Skill
Among all chess pieces, the knight is where the artisan’s hand is most visible. Unlike the simple symmetry of other pieces, the knight must be sculpted freehand. Its head, ears, eyes, and flowing mane are carved with delicate precision.
In luxury sets, no two knights are ever exactly the same. Each carries the signature style of the carver, much like a painter’s brushstroke. For collectors, the knight is often the first piece they examine when judging the quality of a set. A finely carved knight signifies not just craftsmanship, but also pride in tradition.
Crafting the Chess Board
The board itself is just as important as the pieces. Inlaid boards require careful cutting and fitting of contrasting veneers, often walnut and maple. The process demands patience; each square must align perfectly, creating seamless edges and consistent proportions.
Luxury boards, often made in Italy or Spain, take this art to another level. Here, marquetry techniques are used to create decorative borders and polished finishes. The result is not just a playing surface but a statement piece of furniture.
Modern Challenges and Innovations
While traditional carving methods remain highly valued, the industry has also faced challenges. Rare woods like ebony have become harder to source responsibly, leading many makers to explore alternatives such as ebonised boxwood—lighter woods stained black to mimic ebony. This ensures sets remain beautiful while promoting sustainability.
Artisans today also balance tradition with modern expectations. Weighted bases, felt padding, and polished finishes make pieces durable and practical for everyday play. Meanwhile, digital tools can assist with design, but the finishing touch is still guided by the human hand.
The Global Nature of Chess Craftsmanship
Chess craftsmanship has always been international. From the bone carvers of medieval Scandinavia to the workshops of Victorian London, each era has left its mark. Today, much of the world’s fine chess carving takes place in India, where artisans specialise in hand-turning and carving Staunton designs for global export. Their work continues the same traditions passed down for generations, blending local skill with international standards.
European makers, particularly in Italy and Spain, remain leaders in producing luxury boards, using fine veneers and centuries-old marquetry techniques. Together, these global contributions ensure that chess sets are both widely available and crafted to exacting standards.
Collecting as a Celebration of Craft
For many collectors, owning a chess set is not just about playing the game but about preserving artistry. Antique Jaques sets, Isle of Lewis reproductions, and luxury Staunton designs all carry with them the legacy of the carvers who made them. Each piece reflects hours of patient labour, and in many cases, a lifetime of honed skill.
Buying a handcrafted chess set is also a way of supporting traditional artisanship. In an age where machines can mass-produce objects cheaply, a hand-carved set stands out as something deeply human—imperfect, unique, and full of character.
Why Craftsmanship Still Matters
In the fast-paced, digital world of 2025, where online chess platforms attract millions of players, the physical chess set remains a powerful symbol. The feel of weighted wooden pieces, the smooth glide of a rook across an inlaid board, the artistry of a carved knight—these are experiences no screen can replicate.
Craftsmanship connects us to history, to tradition, and to the artisans whose dedication keeps the heritage of chess alive. Each set is more than just a collection of pieces; it is the result of countless hours of skill, passion, and care.
Behind every chess game lies a story of craftsmanship. From the forests where the wood is sourced, to the workshops where artisans carve and polish, the journey of a chess set is one of patience, tradition, and artistry. The Staunton knight, the Isle of Lewis warrior, the polished walnut board—all are reminders that chess is not only a game of intellect but also a celebration of human creativity.
At Official Staunton, we honour this heritage by offering sets that showcase the best of craftsmanship, from faithfully reproduced historical designs to finely made tournament sets. Choosing a handcrafted chess set means owning not just a tool for play, but a piece of living history—one that carries the spirit of the artisans who bring chess to life.