Kisii Soapstone Carvings

English Chess set

Name: English Chess set
Brand: Kisii Soapstone Crafts
SKU: SAN-P-000307

Made by Osoro Marinyono · Kisii, Kenya

Offered by Kisii Soapstone Crafts

Price on request

Named to its maker
Maker paid fairly
Insured delivery

The story

THE CLASSIC ENGLISH CHESS SET | STRATEGY MEETS AFRICAN ARTISTRY Discover the timeless beauty of chess, reimagined through the artistry of Kisii soapstone. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Kisii, Kenya, this English chess set combines the elegance of traditional chess with the natural beauty of locally sourced soapstone. Each piece is carefully shaped, finished and assembled to create a distinctive playing experience. More than a game, it is a statement of intellect, heritage and craftsmanship. ♟️ The Meaning & Symbolism Chess represents strategy, wisdom, patience, discipline and the ability to think several steps ahead. Every move tells a story of decision-making, foresight and leadership. A Statement Piece for Your Space With its impressive 18-inch square chessboard, this set makes an elegant addition to: Executive offices and boardrooms. Living rooms and coffee tables. Libraries and private studies. Hotels, luxury lodges and reception areas. Chess collections and curated art displays. Why Own This Piece? It brings sophistication and intellectual character to an interior while celebrating Kenyan craftsmanship. It is both a functional chess set for memorable games and a distinctive decorative centrepiece when not in use. PRODUCT DETAILS Material: Natural Kisii soapstone. Design: Classic English chess set. Board size: 18 × 18 inches (approximately 45.7 × 45.7 cm). Origin: Kisii, Kenya. Craftsmanship: Handcrafted by skilled Kenyan artisans. A meaningful gift for chess enthusiasts, business leaders, collectors and lovers of African art. Bring home a timeless game, beautifully crafted in Kisii.

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The Thread of Days

20 days of making

Sourcing & preparation
Kisii soapstone
Setting up
Handcarved
20 days of making
Worked entirely by hand, without shortcuts.
Finishing & documentation
Inspected, photographed and entered into the register.

Specifications

Craft & origin: Kisii Soapstone Carvings · Kisii County
Technique: Handcarved
Materials: Kisii soapstone
Dimensions: 18inches by 18 inches
Weight: 2500 g
Days to make: 20
Year: 2026
Sanchaari ID: SAN-P-000307

Provenance

Reviewed & documented by the Sanchaari desk. A unit provenance record is issued at first sale.

The Sanchaari mark

Named to the hands that made it
Vouched for, not just typed
A record from the first sale
The share is published

What this means

Named to the hands that made it. This piece is listed to Osoro Marinyono, with their own page and Sanchaari ID — not to a brand, a warehouse or a reseller.
Vouched for, not just typed. Its maker is a reviewed, approved member of the Sanchaari register, and the piece is listed under their name. When its record is issued the Desk checks it against its profile.
A record from the first sale. When it sells, it receives a provenance record on a tamper-evident chain that anyone can verify, for as long as the piece exists.
The share is published. What of the price goes to the maker is stated on Sanchaari, not hidden. The people who make the work are paid as the page says.

How provenance works

Made by

Osoro Marinyono

Kisii Soapstone Artisan · Kisii, Kenya

Rooted in the rich soapstone carving traditions of Kisii, Kenya, Osoro Marinyono represents the creativity, dedication, and artistic spirit of local Kenyan craftsmanship. Working with natural soapstone sourced from the Kisii region, he transforms raw stone into beautiful decorative pieces that celebrate African culture, nature, and contemporary design. The traditional carving process involves carefully shaping, smoothing, polishing, and finishing each piece by hand. This attention to detail gives every creation its own distinctive character. Through Kisii Soapstone Crafts, we aim to connect the talent of Kisii artisans with customers around the world who appreciate authentic, ethically valued handmade craftsmanship. Each finished piece is more than a decorative object. It is a celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and the beauty of Kenyan artistry. Handcrafted in Kisii, Kenya — preserving tradition through art.

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