# Picturesque Board Games The Samurai Chess Set Has a Built-In Zen Garden By Meghan Young | Published 2011-07-20 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samurai-chess-set References: [designbuzz](http://www.designbuzz.com/entry/samurai-chess-set-built-zen-garden/) & [lumberjocks](http://lumberjocks.com/projects/29618) Chess can be a stressful game due to its competitive nature and the need to be one step ahead of your component at all times, but the Samurai Chess Set hopes to combat that by introducing a built-in zen garden that is guaranteed to wash away any negative feelings. Although that detail is definitely an eye-catcher, once you fixate your gaze onto the rest of the board, you'll find that the craftsmanship and creativity doesn't end there. Created by Wilkes County, a North Carolina-based wood craftsman, the Samurai Chess Set features classic Asian themes in each piece, which have been intricately carved. Crafted out of walnut and poplar wood, the Samurai Chess Set could even be a play set for children. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Meditative Board Games:** Opportunity for game designers to create board games that promote a mindful and calming experience. - **Artistic Game Pieces:** Opportunity for craftsmen to create unique and visually appealing board game pieces. - **Hybrid Game Design:** Opportunity for game designers to combine multiple genres and elements to create new and innovative board games. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming Industry:** Opportunity for game developers to explore new and creative ways to design and market board games. - **Artisanal Woodworking Industry:** Opportunity for craftsmen to showcase their skills and creativity by designing unique and visually appealing board game pieces. - **Wellness Industry:** Opportunity for wellness companies to incorporate board games as a tool for mindfulness and stress relief. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ceramic Chess Seating Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chair-chess.md) - [Beautifully Artful Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dune-chess-set.md) - [Miniature Tranquil Garden Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metazen.md) - [Republic-Honoring Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chess-set-concept.md) - [Architecturally Inspired Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baku-chess-set.md) - [Minimalist Artful Chessboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tarek-elkassouf.md) - [Chocolate Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compartes-chocolate-chess.md) - [Flat-Pack Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jigsaw-chess-set.md) - [Incredibly Elegant Chess Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevated-chess-set.md)