Polo Miniature Chess & Backgammon Set – Khatam Marquetry
Polo Miniature Chess & Backgammon Set – Khatam Marquetry
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- ✓ One-of-one piece — only one available
- ✓ Insured shipping from Paris
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A one-of-one luxury chess and backgammon set combining hand-painted polo miniature work, Khatam marquetry, and mother-of-pearl details.
This reversible wooden board features a chess surface on one side and a backgammon layout on the other. The chess side is animated by a painted polo scene arranged around the playing surface, while the backgammon side brings together painted equestrian details, warm wood, Khatam borders, and decorative inlay work. The result is one of the most elaborate pieces in the Pilardi board collection: a functional game set with the presence of a collector’s object.
Overview
Part of the Pilardi collector selection, this chess and backgammon set stands out for its unusual balance between miniature painting and Khatam marquetry. Rather than following a purely classic decorative layout, the composition feels more contemporary: the polo figures move across the surface with rhythm, space, and energy, while the marquetry frames the scene with structure and precision.
The painted equestrian motifs give the board a narrative quality, while the Khatam work adds ornamental depth and material richness. Mother-of-pearl details bring light and contrast to selected areas, enhancing the collectible character of the piece.
Designed as both a luxury board game and a decorative collector’s object, this edition is made to be played, displayed, and preserved.
Craftsmanship
The board combines several traditional craft techniques in one object. The polo figures are painted by hand in a miniature-inspired style, with fine lines, controlled colour, and expressive movement. The surrounding Khatam marquetry is assembled from small geometric elements, using wood, bone, and brass to create repeated patterns and decorative borders.
Mother-of-pearl details add luminosity and refinement to the composition, while the clear protective resin finish enhances depth, shine, and long-term protection.
The reversible format offers two playable surfaces: a chess board on one side and a backgammon board on the other. This set includes a protective hard case, a full set of chess pieces, and matching backgammon checkers.
Materials & Techniques
- Wooden board structure
- Hand-painted polo miniature scene
- Khatam marquetry made from wood, bone, and brass
- Mother-of-pearl details
- Hand-painted equestrian motifs
- Clear protective resin finish
- Reversible chess and backgammon board
- Includes chess pieces and backgammon checkers
- Protective hard case included
Dimensions
- Board: 49.5 × 49.5 × 6.5 cm
- Case: 54 × 29 × 9 cm
- Chess playing area: 28 × 28 cm
Collector Note
This edition is a one-of-one piece. The same design will not be repeated.
This piece is part of Pilardi’s first collector release. As future editions may vary in rarity, craftsmanship, and production time, pricing may evolve accordingly.
Its combination of miniature painting, Khatam marquetry, mother-of-pearl details, and reversible game format makes it one of the strongest collector pieces in the Pilardi board selection.
Care & Preservation
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Avoid prolonged humidity, direct sunlight, and heat sources.
- Store inside its protective case when not in use.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or alcohol on the surface.
Packaging & Shipping
Carefully packaged in its protective hard case.
Ships from Paris with secure, tracked, and insured delivery.
Crafted in Ispahan, selected in Paris.
Savoir-faire
Each Pilardi piece is the work of skilled artisans, combining traditional techniques — marquetry, hand-painting, block-printing — with a collector's eye for detail. Every object is one-of-one.
Shipping & returns
Each piece is carefully prepared and shipped from Paris with insured, tracked delivery. For deliveries outside the European Union, customs duties, import VAT, or carrier handling fees may be requested by the destination country and are not included in the price. Returns must be requested within 14 calendar days of delivery and are subject to our Return Policy. Items must be returned unused, complete, undamaged, and in their original packaging.
A question? Write to the founder
For guidance on a piece, a commission, or any question, write directly to the founder.
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