Antique Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Game Board With Sliding Drawers 19th Century

Details

Description

19th century Ottoman game board with luminous mother-of-pearl inlay and two sliding drawers. Fine craftsmanship, beautifully patinated—perfect on a tabletop, … Read more 19th century Ottoman game board with luminous mother-of-pearl inlay and two sliding drawers. Fine craftsmanship, beautifully patinated—perfect on a tabletop, shelf, or wall
A finely crafted Ottoman game board, 19th century, likely Turkish or Syrian, richly decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay set into a warm hardwood ground. The hand-cut geometric and floral motifs reflect the tradition of Ottoman marquetry, in which luminous shell is outlined by fine dark inlay lines to create rhythmic, repeating patterns.
The board is reversible, featuring two playing fields, each with a slightly different grid layout—one tighter (8x8), one looser (10x10). Each long side conceals a sliding drawer for storing game pieces, a refined feature often found on Ottoman examples of the period. The surface retains a beautiful, time-worn patina that enhances the glow of the mother-of-pearl against the wood.
Striking in both design and craftsmanship, this piece can be displayed flat or standing on a console or shelf or hung on a wall as an intricate work of decorative art.

Ottoman Empire (Turkey), 19th Century

Length: 17 ¼ In.
Width: 12 ½ In.
Depth: 2 ¼ In. See less