Explore NOVICA's Chess Sets & Games Collection. Discover handcrafted chess sets, dominoes, dakon, jigsaws, kites, ring tosses and hand-carved puzzles in this diverse collection designed to delight any age.
This is a challenge that rewards you with a smile and the satisfaction of accomplishment. I will be ordering again for gifts and know how much it will be appreciated by anyone.
Well-made and nicely finished - this game is great for travel and the stained wood case will look perfectly at home on a desk or in your den. The footprint is small, but the game is a fun and strategically challenging.
I bought this gift for an elderly relative who had dreamed her entire life of having a nice Chinese Checker set of her own. This set certainly for the bill. She was thrilled and said it was what she had dreamed of as a child.
"My favorites are the wooden games because I grew up with them. They teach me to think, plan and concentrate, and I apply these skills in my everyday life."
"I'm Waraporn Khamsuk and I was born in 1990 in Northern Thailand. I'm the eldest daughter in the family, and I grew up with the wooden games my... read more
The historical origins of chess are commonly attributed to a game played in India in the 6th century, chaturanga or "the four parts of an army," infantry, chariots, horses and elephants. The Persians took interest and adapted the game; from them comes the term shah mat or "checkmate." It is believed the Moors introduced the game to Europe via Spain. Since then, the fascination with chess continues to evolve and the game is played throughout the world.
Novica contributes to the worldwide propagation of the legendary game with chess sets that are crafted by hand from a variety of materials. In Brazil, Rogerio Martins transforms tin into original chess pieces, while Samuel and Francis Agbey hand-carve wood chess sets that are rich in African tribal stylizations. Khyali Ram perpetuates India's chess legacy with elegant wood sets, some of which include backgammon sets.
Ketut Sandi carves highly detailed ornamental backgammon and chess sets that also function as decorative tables. His inspiration comes from nature, the Ramayana, or Buddhist themes, amongst others.
Mexico's Armando Ramirez strategy is to approach the game from an eco-friendly position as he recycles auto parts into one-of-a-kind chess sets that challenge you to identify each piece!
The Holiday Catalog
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.