Silver And Vermeil Chess Set

Description
An elegant 20th-century Italian chess set, consisting of thirty-two figurative pieces crafted from 800-th silver, with one side gilded to create a clear distinction between the two sets. The set is characterized by a rich, decorative, Oriental-inspired aesthetic, in which traditional chess pieces are reinterpreted as figures, animals, and architectural elements.

The main pieces take the form of figures dressed in Eastern-inspired costumes, depicted in a wide variety of poses and with various attributes. The knights are represented by particularly expressive rearing horses, while the rooks take the form of tall, crenellated structures. The pawns are also distinguished by small human figures. Each piece rests on an architecturally designed circular base, consisting of a molded plinth topped by an openwork central section decorated with scrollwork and plant motifs. This repetition of the decorative elements ensures a strong visual unity throughout the set.

The chessboard is crafted from onyx, combining white squares with honey-beige squares, whose natural variations in hue and veining enliven the surface. The board is surrounded by a substantial, finely crafted silver frame, adorned with openwork motifs and applied decorations at the corners. It rests on four figurative legs formed by animal heads extending into legs, giving the piece a particularly sculptural presence.

The pieces bear a fineness mark 800 as well as a signature in the manufacturer’s name. One of the sets retains the silver’s natural finish, while the second is entirely gilded.

Technique and Materials
800 silver, gilded silver, and onyx. Cast, chiseled, openwork, and assembled elements. Relief decoration and details finely finished after casting. Gilding applied to one of the two sets of pieces.

Date
Italy, 20th century.

Condition
Good overall condition. Slight signs of wear, patina, and isolated oxidation of the silver consistent with its age. Some superficial variations in the gilding may be observed. The onyx displays its natural hues and veining.

Use and Purpose
Both a functional game and a decorative object, this set can be displayed in a living room, library, office, or collector’s cabinet. Its sculptural character also makes it a display piece in its own right.

Dimensions
chessboard - 47 x 47 cm
pieces - 6.5 to 12.5 cm