Why is boxwood used for chess pieces?

Boxwood is often used for chest pieces due to the properties of the wood. While it is a hard, dense wood that can hold up to wear and tear, boxwood is also simple to turn and carve, so it can be easily shaped into pawns, rooks and other pieces. In addition, the light color works well with white paint. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of chess sets.

Jacques Chess Pieces

Asprey Chess

Jaques Croquet

Travel Game Board

Chinese Carved Chess Set

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Antique Set Jacques Staunton Hand Carved Boxwood Mahogany Chess Board Pieces

Located in Dublin, Ireland

mahogany un-weighted chess pieces of outstanding quality, late 19th, early 20th century of English origin

Antique Late 19th Century English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Boxwood, Ebony, Rosewood

Antique Set Jacques Staunton Hand Carved Boxwood Mahogany Chess Board Pieces

H 3.25 in W 11 in L 3.25 in

Chinese Set Jacques Barleycorn Hand Carved Bone Chess Board Pieces Set Draughts

Located in Dublin, Ireland

bone chess set, together with a set of Draught pieces, first half of the 19th century. Both sets

Antique Early 19th Century English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone

Chinese Set Jacques Barleycorn Hand Carved Bone Chess Board Pieces Set Draughts

H 4.25 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in

Set Jacques Staunton French Polished Boxwood Ebony Chess Set Pieces in Oak Box

Located in Dublin, Ireland

ebony un-weighted chess pieces, early 20th century. Complete with possibly an earlier well grained

20th Century English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Boxwood, Ebony, Oak

Set Jacques Staunton French Polished Boxwood Ebony Chess Set Pieces in Oak Box

H 2.25 in W 9.75 in L 2.25 in

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Questions About Jacques Chess Pieces

Why is boxwood used for chess pieces?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
Boxwood is often used for chest pieces due to the properties of the wood. While it is a hard, dense wood that can hold up to wear and tear, boxwood is also simple to turn and carve, so it can be easily shaped into pawns, rooks and other pieces. In addition, the light color works well with white paint. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of chess sets.