Chess Sets
  • Renaissance Chess Set.

  • Vermeil Chess Set.

  • Monument Chess Set.

  • Chess Boards
  • Épique Chess Board.

  • Dynastie Chess Board.

  • Ocre Chess Board.

  • Art Moderne Chess Board.

  • Chess Pieces
  • Vermeil Chess Pieces.

  • Épique Chess Pieces.

  • Raffiné Chess Pieces.

  • Dynastie Chess Pieces.

  • The Making of Our Folding Chess Sets.

    On this page, we reveal the creation process of our folding chess sets. From the raw material stage to the final product, we showcase the techniques and craftsmanship involved. Dive in to see how each set is meticulously crafted from start to finish.
    The Manufacturing Process Revealed
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    Raw Material
    Final Creation
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    Discover the fascinating process behind the creation of our folding chess sets. On this page, we show you how we transform raw wood into a refined final chess set. Dive into the behind-the-scenes details and follow each step of our meticulous manufacturing process.
    Want to learn more about the traceability of all our creations?

    ❶ The Art of Wood Processing: Crafting High-Quality Chess Sets

    Before a piece of wood becomes part of a foldable chess set, it undergoes several meticulous preparation stages. Each step in the process ensures the wood is perfectly conditioned for crafting, resulting in chess pieces and boards that resist cracking and stand the test of time. Though we can't showcase each stage, rest assured that our rigorous selection process guarantees the highest quality. We handpick woods for their superior qualities, ensuring that every chess set meets our stringent standards for excellence and durability. Here, we present the wood crafting process. You might be interested in discovering the unique characteristics of the wood varieties used in our chessboards. While the process remains consistent, we offer a wide range of wood species.
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    Sawmilling


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    Precision Cutting


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    Drying Process


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    Wood Drying


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    Precision Cutting


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    Shaping Process


    Cutting and Drying Wood

    Selecting high-quality woodis the first step in crafting our chess pieces and boards. The wood is then precisely cut and meticulously dried to prevent warping and ensure durability. This process maintains the wood's integrity and enhances its beauty. In the illustration, stacks of prepared wood highlight the care given to each piece before it becomes part of our exquisite chess sets.

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    ❷ Building the Structure of our Foldable Chessboard

    Once the wood has been meticulously prepared and is ready for use, the next step involves cutting the boards to the precise dimensions required for a foldable chessboard. These pieces are then carefully assembled, with particular attention to ensuring the solidity and durability of the structure. The strength and longevity of the final product depend heavily on these initial creation stages. Throughout the process, rigorous quality controlsare applied to ensure that each chessboard meets our high standards for excellence and reliability.
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    Machine Cutting


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    Hand Assembly


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    Fine Sanding


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    Hammering


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    Precision Cutting


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    Surface Finishing


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    Hand Painting


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    Hinge Insertion


    ❸ Shaping Excellence: The Intricate Process of Crafting Chess Pieces

    The creation of chess pieces begins with cylindrical wooden blocks, each carefully cut to the size of a future chess piece. These blocks are then turned to achieve the basic shape. Specific pieces, such as knights or intricate figures like kings and queens, require different processes and additional hand-carving to capture their unique details. Once shaped, the pieces are weightedwith lead to ensure stability and a satisfying heft. Afterward, they are meticulouslypolishedto bring out the wood's natural beauty. But this is just one part of the extensive journey to crafting a perfect chess set...
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    Shaping the Wood


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    Final Cutting


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    Woodturning


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    Shaping the Pieces


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    First shape


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    Shapping process


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    Hand Carving


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    Quality Inspection


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    Polishing


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    Ebonizing, Weighting and Felting


    The Ebonizing Process

    Ebonizing is a natural processthat gives our chess pieces a deep, dark finish.

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    Unlike staining, ebonizing uses a chemical reaction between the natural tannins in the wood and iron salts to permanently darken the wood. This method not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also ensures a durable and long-lasting finish. In the illustration, a barrel is opened to reveal newly ebonized chess pieces, showcasing their deep, elegant hue achieved through this meticulous, natural process.
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    ❹ Crafting the Finish: Unveiling Your Chess Set - Pyrography/Marquetry

    The final steps in crafting our foldable chess sets involve a specialized finishing process that varies by collection. This stage brings the chessboard to life, with each piece and board meticulously refined to ensure the highest quality and aesthetic appeal. Our finishing techniques, whether through the intricate artistry of pyrography or the detailed craftsmanship of marquetry, enhance the natural beauty and tactile experience of the wood.

    Timeless Range- Elegance in Pyrography

    For our elegant collection, each chess piece and board undergoes detailed pyrography. This process involves carefully burning designs into the wood, creating intricate patterns and textures that add a unique touch to each set. The result is a stunning visual effect that enhances the natural grain of the wood, providing a sophisticated and timeless look.

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    Pyrography Process


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    Decoration by Pyrography


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    Decoration Process


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    Decoration of Pieces by Pyrography


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    Hand-Staining the Board


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    Finishing


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    Final Assembly


    The Art of Pyrography

    For our elegant collection, each chess piece and board undergoes detailed pyrography.This process involves carefully burning designs into the wood, creating intricate patterns and textures that add a unique touch to each set. The result is a stunning visual effect that enhances the natural grain of the wood, providing a sophisticatedand timeless look.

    Get to know more

    Pyrography is an artisanal process that brings unique character to our chessboards. This technique involves burning designs into the wood, creating intricate patterns and motifs based on the model. 

    The level of decoration varies, with some boards featuring elaborate designs while others remain elegantly simple. Additionally, algebraic notationscan be added through pyrography, enhancing both the functionality and beauty of the board. 

    As you can see our craftsmen skillfully burning designs into the wood, showcasing the detailed and personalized touch that pyrography brings to each chessboard.

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    Hand-Painted Natural Staining

    Each chessboard is meticulously hand-stained to enhance its rich, natural tones. This expert technique ensures a unique and vibrant finish, highlighting the wood's patterns and textures. In the illustration, an artisan applies the stain with precision, resulting in a beautifully colored chessboard that retains the wood's natural elegance.

    Premium Range - Mastery in Marquetry

    Our premium collection features exquisite marquetry. This technique involves delicately applying fine, precious woodsto the chess pieces and board, creating a harmonious blend of textures and natural wood tones. The result is a chess set that not only feels wonderful to the touchbut also showcases the artistry of woodworkingwith its intricate and beautiful patterns.

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    Hammering Marquetry


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    Pressing


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    Finishing Spray


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    Drying and Final Inspection


    Uniform Finishing Spray

    A finishing spray provides a smooth, even coat on our marquetry chessboards, enhancing the wood's grain and colors. After spraying, the boards dry to ensure a durable finish. In the illustration, a craftsman applies the spray, highlighting the precision and care in this process.

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    Rigorous Quality Control

    Our quality control process ensures each chess piece meets the highest standards. Complex pieces like the knight undergo multiple sculpting stages, with meticulous checks at every step. This rigorous process guarantees perfect craftsmanship. In the illustration, a craftsman inspects a knight, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail applied at each stage.

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    Thank you for joining us on this journey through the creation of a foldable chess set!
    We invite you to learn more about Les Échiquiers du Roi.