BASKET:0
  • Shop Online
  • Find a Store
  • Read a Story
  • Home |
  • Carved Soapstone Chess Set
fc833eca6e682d3b414579eb35631bd0 Artisan Story

Click on the photo to see a larger image

$145.00
Add to Wishlist
1 2

Carved Soapstone Chess SetPRINT THIS PAGE

SKU: 5420310

SKU# 5420310

Traditional Vietnamese figures populate this Traveler’s Find hand-carved chess set. The knights are dragons; the pawns wear flat conical hats. Pieces and hinged box have an antiqued patina.

The King holds a card that represents high position and prosperity. The Queen holds a fan, protecting and caring for the King. The bishop holds a peach, representing longevity. The knight takes the shape of a dragon. The rook is shaped as a tower. The pawns are eight soldiers protecting the other characters.

Stone carvers in Vietnam carve this intricate chess set in soapstone, polish the design until smooth, and finish it with a color stain to accentuate the detail. Nguyen Tien Dung, a master craftsman, transforms the lives of marginalized and underprivileged young men in Hanoi, Vietnam by teaching them the fine art of stone carving and employing them in his workshop. Many of the young men were unable to go to school, or to finish their education due to economic hardship. Through a partnership with Nguyen Van To School, the young carvers attend classes, participate in a literacy-training program and gain valuable handicraft skills. It takes artisans one year to become fully trained in the art of stone carving. As the carvers improve their skills and gain more experience, their salaries are increased to reflect this growth.
  • Carved and stained soapstone
  • Limited Edition
  • 2.5H inches, pieces
  • 10SQ inches, box
  • Made in Vietnam

UPC Code: 732919240177

Gift wrapping is available for this product. View options

Artisan Story

Craft Link

Read About Craft Link

Artisan Group: Craft Link
Country: Vietnam

Craft Link, a nonprofit organization, works with Vietnamese artisans to generate income, with a focus on ethnic minorities, street children and artisans with disabilities.

Read more.

World's Most Ethical Companies - 5 Years Running

Ten Thousand Villages Home Office | 704 Main Street, PO Box 307 | Akron, PA 17501-0307

Copyright Ten Thousand Villages. All Rights Reserved.

877-883-8341