Inlaid Wooden Chess Game Box – Syria, Mid-20th Century

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Inlaid Wooden Chess Game Box – Syria, Mid-20th Century

Beautiful game box in finely inlaid wood, made in Syria in the second half of the 20th century. When opened, the box unfolds to become a chessboard, containing inside the 32 pieces required for the game of chess. The reverse of the box, once opened, transforms into a backgammon board, thus offering a dual gaming function.

The intarsia decoration, typical of Syrian craftsmanship, displays a rich geometric composition, executed with great finesse. This piece of craftsmanship reflects the centuries-old tradition of Middle Eastern marquetry.

Condition: very good overall condition; a few small inlay elements are missing; one of the two hinges, originally integrated and concealed within the marquetry, is now visible due to a loss of marquetry. These defects are barely noticeable in the whole.

430 €