Solid Wood Chinese Chess Set & Folding Xiangqi Board

Why Collectors and Families Choose This Set

The best of both worlds, in the form of real hardwood rather than painted plastic.
All made of authentic beechwood, blackwood (ebony), red sandalwood or African blood sandalwood, the same wood families that have been used in traditional Chinese chess sets for centuries. Nothing to print, no hollow plastic disks that crack after being played for a season.

A board that doubles up as storage!
This folding board is not only a playing board, but a built-in case as well. It can be played open flat (3cm thick - no wobble) and then folded in half to give an additional depth of 6cm, carved recesses inside make sure that no parts roll about or get lost in a drawer.

Constructed for actual use, not (just) to be looked at!
This is NOT a showpiece to be handled with care. The beechwood and hardwood construction is able to withstand daily play, travel, and handling by children who are learning the game and decades of use by adults. There is a good amount of weight to them in-hand, 18-20mm thick they are not moving as they sit on the board.

Specialty Wood for Collectors

• Red Sandalwood (Padauk): comes from Africa, has extremely red color and flowing grain. Naturally rot and insect resistant.
• Blackwood (Ebony): DENSE & IRON HARD: very dense, so that a piece dropped in water sinks, not floats.
• Blood Sandalwood: Also known as African purpleheart/blood rosewood. Deep red, high natural oil content and with a unique scent, that over time oxidizes to a rich reddish-brown to purplish-brown patina, similar to a fine cigar box maturing over time.

Traditional size and a smaller size for a specific application.

Use the 50mm set for portability to play a game in the park or take on a family trip – fits in a backpack or travel bag. Available in 60mm, this set provides a tournament feel with larger pieces which are easier to read from across the table, ideal for home displays or serious practice.

A Gift That Does NOT Sound Generic
For someone who has played xiangqi since childhood or someone who is new to the game, a solid-wood set conveys a greater sense of care and consideration than a $15 plastic-and-cardboard set. It is practical, is old fashioned, and can be used as a keepsake.

Specifications

Note: All measurements are taken by hand. A variance of 0.5–1cm is normal for handcrafted wood products and does not indicate a defect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between the 50 and 60 size sets?
A: The 50 set has 48mm-diameter pieces and a board that folds down to a compact 46×25×6cm — ideal for travel or smaller tables. The 60 set has larger 58mm pieces and a bigger board, better suited for home use or players who want a more substantial tabletop presence.

Q: Is the board really made of solid wood, or just wood-veneer?
A: The board is solid wood with a folding hinge design. It's built to function as both a playing surface and a storage case — when closed, the inside has carved compartments that hold the pieces securely.

Q: Why do the wood types vary in price (beech vs. ebony vs. red sandalwood)?
A: Each wood has a different density, origin, and rarity. Beechwood is durable and economical, making it a great everyday option. Ebony (blackwood) is extremely dense — dense enough to sink in water — and harder to source. Red sandalwood and blood sandalwood are imported, oil-rich hardwoods valued for their color, grain, and natural resistance to rot and insects, which is why sets in these woods are positioned more as collector pieces.

Q: Will the color of the blood sandalwood pieces change over time?
A: Yes, and that's expected. Blood sandalwood naturally oxidizes with light and air exposure, shifting from deep red toward a reddish-brown or purplish-brown patina — similar to how some fine hardwoods darken and richen with age. This is a natural characteristic, not a flaw.

Q: Is this set suitable for beginners, or only experienced players?
A: Both. The board and pieces are durable enough for a child or beginner learning the rules, while the wood quality and craftsmanship also appeal to long-time players or collectors who want a set with real heft and longevity.

Q: How should I care for the wood pieces and board?
A: Keep the set out of direct, prolonged sunlight and excessive humidity, which can affect any solid-wood product over time. Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth — avoid soaking, especially with the denser woods like ebony, which are sensitive to extreme moisture changes despite their durability.