This game box is modelled after the appearance of two leather-bound books. The exterior is used to play chess, while the interior is used for backgammon. Chessboards of this design were produced in Vizagapatam. Vizagapatam is a port situated on the east coast of India and was a district within British India. It was well known for producing textiles and furniture.The colonial rule of South and Southeast Asia by the Europeans spurred the production of elaborately and intricately carved chess sets for export and foreign residents. These sets were commonly made for display or commemoration rather than actual use.
