We recently had the privilege of treating a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a beloved family heirloom: an antique Middle Eastern gaming table. Though based in Chicago, we work on projects across the country, and our client carefully packaged this treasured piece and sent it from her home in Colorado.
A closeup of the table before conservation.
A closeup of the table after conservation.
The Goddess Ani playing senet, from the Theban Book of the Dead. Egyptian; about 1600 B.C. (British Museum)
Throughout history, gaming tables have provided both entertainment and intellectual challenge, evolving alongside the cultures that embraced them. Their origins trace back to ancient civilizations, where they served as both social hubs and artistic expressions of craftsmanship. One of the earliest known examples is the senet board, played in ancient Egypt around 2500 BCE. Resembling backgammon, it held deep cultural and spiritual significance, often placed in tombs for use in the afterlife. Over time, gaming tables evolved across cultures—from the Roman tabula to medieval chess boards and the elaborate card tables of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the Middle East, artisans transformed these functional pieces into intricate works of art, incorporating geometric inlays and fine wood marquetry.
The top of our client’s table, prior to treatment.
This particular table carries a rich personal history. As the client shared, “The game table was procured by my parents in Kuwait back in the early '60s, and they played backgammon (tawla, as it’s called in Arabic) at least twice daily. Many fond memories!”
Over the decades, the client’s cherished gaming table showed signs of wear. A layer of dust and debris had settled on its surface, and the polished finish on the shelf and legs had deteriorated. All four leg joints were loose, compromising its stability. Throughout the piece, small sections of the inlay were missing, while others had begun to lift, requiring careful restoration to preserve its original beauty and craftsmanship.
Before Treatment:
To restore the table, we began by photographing it before and after treatment for documentation. The surface was meticulously cleaned using conservation-appropriate methods, and the polished finish was revived where needed. Loose inlay was secured as best as possible, and the legs were reinforced to ensure stability. Areas of loss were carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface, and a protective coat of wax was applied to enhance and preserve the piece.
After Treatment:
Despite the rise of digital entertainment, gaming tables remain a cherished fixture in homes and social spaces, valued for their ability to bring people together. Across cultures, they have long served as hubs of strategy, competition, and camaraderie—from mahjong gatherings in China to card games in Europe. Their versatility allows for a variety of games to be played on a single surface, reinforcing their role as both functional furniture and a source of shared enjoyment. The table we conserved is a testament to this enduring tradition, preserving not just an object, but a legacy of craftsmanship, social connection, and timeless play.
