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Moorish Game Boards

MOORISH STYLE

After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, Islamic Spain became a cultural mix of influences that shaped both private homes and religious spaces. Moorish design was the name given to this style, which evolved through the 15th century with vibrant tile work, horseshoe arches and lavish ornamentation, most visible at sites such as Granada’s Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Moorish furniture was often similarly ornate, and featured pieces inlaid with wood, ivory and bone.

When European designers began studying Moorish art and architecture in the early 19th century, it led to a Moorish Revival. Appropriating the style’s decorative flourishes and architectural elements, it promoted a romantic view of Islamic design. Travelers could bring home a memento of what they witnessed in the Middle East, a trend that aligned with a fad for themed interiors. Men’s smoking rooms arranged with ottomans, divans and settees and inlaid tables were especially popular, as were cafés where coffee was served amid bead curtains and colorful floor mats. (Handwoven rugs are a centerpiece of Moorish interiors.) Octagonal rooms with domed ceilings were created for wealthy homes, frequently with furnishings like pipe stands, filigree plasterwork and arched doorways. The horseshoe arch is an iconic attribute of Moorish architecture that, in addition to Spain, can be found in Sicily, Morocco and elsewhere.

Several late 19th to early 20th-century movements featured Moorish touches. The American and English Aesthetic Movement, for example, borrowed liberally from global decorating styles, as seen in furniture designed by Lockwood de Forest, a New York-born artist who mixed Eastern and Western forms. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau also references the elegant use of geometry in Moorish design, with Milanese Art Nouveau furniture designer Carlo Bugatti drawing inspiration from the style. The Arts and Crafts movement, which prized expressive yet simple design, incorporated Moorish influences; hand-painted furniture and tile work created by William De Morgan, a British designer and potter who made furnishings for the likes of Morris & Co., were informed by techniques from Moorish Spain.

Find a collection of Moorish lighting, decorative objects, folk art and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Moorish
Syrian Moorish Inlaid Mosaic Backgammon and Chess Wooden Game Board Box
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning mosaic design and gorgeous craftsmanship. The board/box is made of various wood, mother-of-pearl, and bone inlays. A genuine work of art. A set of backgammon pieces...
Category

20th Century Syrian Moorish Game Boards

Materials

Wood

Middle Eastern Micro Mosaic Octagonal Chess Game with Horn Pieces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Intricately inlaid handcrafted Persian styled chess game board and handcrafted horn and pone chess pieces. Handcrafted beautiful Middle Eastern Moorish style Khatam chess board cover...
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Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Game Boards

Materials

Bone, Horn, Wood

Arabesque Inlaid Backgammon & Chess Game Board
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Discover the beauty of Middle Eastern craftsmanship with this stunning hinged box adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl marquetry in a mesmerizing micro mosaic technique. The box showcases exceptional artistry and attention to detail, making it a true testament to the region's rich heritage. As you open the rectangular box, you will unveil a meticulously crafted backgammon game board, complete with all the necessary pieces for gameplay. The board's surface is thoughtfully designed to enhance your gaming experience, ensuring functionality and visual delight. Combining the mother-of-pearl marquetry and the micro mosaic technique creates a striking and unique backdrop for your backgammon matches. Not limited to just backgammon, the board's exterior boasts a chess/checkerboard game...
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1960s Turkish Vintage Moorish Game Boards

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

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Back Light Chess Board with Cubic Colorful Chess Pieces
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Middle Eastern Moorish Handcrafted Mosaic Decorative Box
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19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
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Back Light Chess Board with Cylindrical Colorful Chess Pieces
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Previously Available Items
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Discover the beauty of Middle Eastern craftsmanship with this stunning hinged box adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl marquetry in a mesmerizing micro mosaic technique. The box showcases exceptional artistry and attention to detail, making it a true testament to the region's rich heritage. As you open the rectangular box, you will unveil a meticulously crafted backgammon game board, complete with all the necessary pieces for gameplay. The board's surface is thoughtfully designed to enhance your gaming experience, ensuring functionality and visual delight. Combining the mother-of-pearl marquetry and the micro mosaic technique creates a striking and unique backdrop for your backgammon matches. Not limited to just backgammon, the board's exterior boasts a chess/checkerboard game...
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1960s Turkish Vintage Moorish Game Boards

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Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Micro Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box Game Backgammon and Chess
Located in North Hollywood, CA
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Persian Octagonal Backgammon and Chess Game
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Syrian Inlaid Mosaic Backgammon and Chess Wooden Game Board/ Box
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Moorish game boards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Moorish game boards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage game boards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, bone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Moorish game boards made in a specific country, there are Asia, West Asia, and Caucasus pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for game boards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $789 and tops out at $1,695 while the average work can sell for $1,160.

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