Woodwork · Essaouira
Thuya Wood Chess Set
Hand-turned chess sets with board and pieces in thuya and lemon wood. The contrasting light and dark woods create a striking board.
History & Cultural Context
A showcase of Essaouira's woodturning mastery. Each piece is individually turned on a lathe. The board itself is a marquetry masterpiece combining thuya burl with pale lemon wood.
Materials
- Thuya burl woodDark, aromatic wood for board and one set of pieces
- Lemon woodPale contrasting wood for light squares and pieces
Production Techniques
- Hand-turningTraditional
Each chess piece individually shaped on a lathe
- Marquetry board assemblyTraditional
Alternating wood squares cut, fitted, and glued to create the board
Production Notes
Board assembled from alternating thuya and lemon wood squares. Pieces individually hand-turned. Full set production: 5–10 days.
Quality Indicators
Quality
All pieces stand stable and centeredBoard squares aligned without gaps
Price Ranges
Budget150 – 400 MAD(~$15 – $40)
Small travel sets, simple piece design
Mid-range400 – 1000 MAD(~$40 – $100)
Standard size, detailed pieces, good wood quality
Premium1000 – 3000 MAD(~$100 – $300)
Large sets, complex piece designs, exceptional grain