Lot #99. Dolphi “Farmers’ Bust” Chess Pieces, Hand-Carved in Italy
Dolphi Farmers’ Bust Chess Pieces, Hand Carved in Italy.
Offered here is a unique,set of Dolphi Farmers Bust Chess Pieces hand-carved and hand-painted wood. The caricatures in this chess set are individually hand-carved busts representing various colorful local caricatures from the region. The King stands 3-1/4″ tall. The hand carved pieces are crafted from Alpine Maple. The bases are unweighted and the pieces are felted. The chess piece are in excellent condition, but one Knight from the Black army is missing. These chessmen were likely produced around 1975, although an exact date can’t be verified. These chess pieces are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. The Dolphi Farmers Bust Chess Pieces are still in production today.
The Dolphi Farmers Bust Chess Pieces are 100% made in Italy for those who can appreciate the true value of these magnificent artistic chessmen. They are fully equal in quality to chessmen bearing the Anri label made in the mid-20th Century.
The wood art tradition has a long history in Val Gardena, Italy. The tradition of woodcarving dates back to the XVII century, when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. The peasants than used to sell the items at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for its ancient romantic language. Made in Italy, its skiing facilities – and its old tradition of woodcarving. The ANRI company’s chess sets from the 1960s were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.
For over 125 years the Dolfi Company in Val Gardena in the Dolomites,Northern Italy, makes sculptures, cribs, wood carved gifts, wooden decorations, designer furniture and home accessories of high quality and selected wood.
