Happy International Day of Forests!

Forests are one of nature’s greatest gifts. They provide fresh air, shelter wildlife, and even help regulate our climate. But beyond their beauty and ecological importance, forests have also shaped human history—giving us everything from shelter to the wooden chess sets we cherish today.

To honour the International Day of Forests, we’re giving back. For the next 7 days, $1 from every order will be donated to One Tree Planted to support global reforestation. Every chess move starts with strategy, and this is our move to help protect the forests that make our game possible.

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation

Many of our wooden chess pieces begin their journey in the forest. The process of crafting them is a blend of tradition, skill, and patience—each one shaped by artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. After the finest woods are selected, they are cut into smaller blocks, then into octagonal chunks. From there, the real artistry begins. Using a lathe, each chess piece is carefully shaped by hand, with different tools used to carve the classic Staunton design and other signature styles.

Once the basic forms are made, specialists take over to refine the details. The crown of the queen, the visor of the bishop, and the battlements of the rook are all delicately shaped to ensure precision. But the most intricate piece? The knight. In high-quality luxury chess sets, knights are often carved by artisans who specialise in nothing but sculpting knights—sometimes spending several days on a single piece to achieve the perfect expression and detail.

Crafted by Nature, Shaped by Hand - How trunk becomes a chess piece

After carving, the pieces are weighted for stability, giving them a premium feel when moved across the board. A small cavity is cut at the base, filled with a weight, sealed, and covered with soft felt to ensure smooth movement. Once polished and checked for quality, they are carefully packaged before starting their journey—by sea to Australia, and finally, by post to your doorstep.

Example of Rex Nor Luxury Wooden Pieces

Forests have given us the game we love, from the wooden boards to the pieces we move with each strategy. Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Forests, we recognise their importance and take a small step toward giving back. With each order this week, we’re helping plant new trees—because just like in chess, every move counts.