Upcycled Art Appraisal

Upcycled Wine Label Chess/Checker Board

This item is a homemade or artisan-crafted chess or checkerboard, likely constructed from a repurposed wooden box. The playing surface is a 6x8 grid of squares that appear to be made from cut-out sections of wine labels or similar decorative paper, covered with a clear protective layer, possibly resin or laminate. One color of the squares is a solid red, applied likely with paint, while the other color is composed of various segments of paper featuring text and illustrations, such as the 'SILVER OAK' and 'CABERNET SAUVIGNON' labels visible. The board is bordered by additional paper sections, creating a wider frame around the playing area, with some sections also displaying wine label motifs. The overall aesthetic suggests a folk art or upcycled approach. The wooden box structure beneath the board has exposed wood grain on its sides, indicating it is likely a simple, unfinished wooden crate or cigar box repurposed for this use. There is a visible gap or opening on one side, which suggests a storage compartment for chess pieces or checkers, reinforcing the idea of a self-contained game set. The craftsmanship appears to be hands-on, with some visible irregularities in the cutting and placement of the paper elements, contributing to its unique character. There's a notable split or crack in the wood on the side of the box, indicating some wear or a pre-existing condition of the repurposed material. This piece appears to be a relatively modern creation, possibly dating from the late 20th to early 21st century, given the style of the wine labels.