Description
Giuseppe Vasari “Scacchiera Bizantina” Byzantine Christians vs. Ottomans / Saracens Chess Set.
Offered here is a true masterpiece of 20th-century Italian decorative art, this magnificent set of Vasari Crusaders vs. Moors Chessmen from La Bottega del Vasari, Florence, captures one of history’s most dramatic cultural and military clashes: the final struggle between the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman/Christian forces) and the rising Ottoman Turks. Created in the 1970s–1990s in very limited numbers, this premium large-scale set is widely regarded as one of Vasari’s most evocative and collectible themes.
The Two Armies
Byzantine Christians (silvered bodies with rich 24K gold accents) Majestic figures in opulent Eastern court robes and armor represent the last defenders of Constantinople.
- Rooks: Tall, imposing Byzantine spire towers with detailed brickwork banding and gilded crowns.
- Knights: Powerful rearing warhorses.
- King & Queen: Regal imperial dignity with flowing robes and crowns.
Ottoman / Saracen Forces (gilded bodies with silver accents) Exotic warriors in turbans, flowing kaftans, and curved scimitars evoke the dynamic Ottoman army.
- Rooks: Classic Islamic minarets with intricate latticework, onion domes, and golden finials.
- Knights: The signature donkey-mounted knight — a charming and historically inspired detail found only in authentic Vasari Byzantine sets, representing the agile light cavalry of the East.
- Pawns & Court: Shirtless scimitar warriors, bearded sultans, and veiled dignitaries.
Every one of the 32 pieces is individually hand-cast in solid bronze using the traditional lost-wax process, then meticulously silver- or gold-plated, hand-chased, and polished to museum standards. The selective two-tone plating creates stunning visual contrast and depth.
The Table
This set of Vasari Crusaders vs. Moors Chessmen includes its original matching ornate gilt-bronze Rococo-style chess table. The square top features a luxurious inlaid marble (or onyx) board framed in gilt bronze with beaded edging. The entire ensemble transforms this set into functional museum-quality furniture.
Dimensions
- King: 5-1/2 inches (13.3 cm) tall – the desirable premium large size
- Rooks: up to 5½ to 6 inches tall
- Board/Table: 24″ × 24″ playing surface, overall height 23″
The Chess Table
-
This spectacular matching table transforms the set into true museum-quality furniture. The square playing surface features a luxurious inlaid marble and onyx board with richly variegated squares in crisp white, deep emerald, green, warm terracotta, and golden amber. It is housed in an exceptionally ornate gilt-and-silvered bronze frame adorned with a continuous, intricately detailed frieze of classical battle scenes, scrolling acanthus leaves, and Greek-key motifs. The four corners are prominently accented with miniature decorative cannons on wheels — a striking martial detail that perfectly complements the Byzantine vs. Moors theme. The table rests on four elegant cabriole legs with fine silver-and-gold scrollwork and acanthus carvings. Measuring approximately 24″ × 24″ overall, this magnificent table elevates the premium 5½” Vasari chess set into a stunning, functional work of Italian decorative art.
Historical Inspiration
The Vasari Crusaders vs. Moors Chessmen immortalizes the epic siege and fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453 — the climactic event that ended the 1,123-year Byzantine Empire. Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos’s heroic last stand against Sultan Mehmed II “the Conqueror” is beautifully evoked in these miniature figures: Byzantine spires defending the ancient walls versus Ottoman minarets announcing a new era.
Condition & Rarity
This set of Vasari Crusaders vs. Moors Chessmen are in excellent original condition with crisp casting, vibrant plating, and no chips, repairs, or significant wear. All 32 pieces are present and intact. These premium large-size Vasari sets with their companion tables are exceptionally scarce.
About the Sculptor
This magnificent chess set is manufactured by La Bottega del Vasari from Italy. Famous, as one of the most reputable firms that produces luxury chess sets. Vasari Sculptor “La bottega del Vasari” was founded by Gianni Inclimona, an artist who traces his ancestry to the renowned 16th Century Italian Renaissance Artist and Architect. La Bottega del Vasari is known the world over. Gianni Inclimona, called il “Vasari”, began his craft in Milano 25 years ago. He began reproducing armies and battles of the past and then started making them into Chess Sets faithful to historic battles. These Chess Sets are produced in bronze, hand chiseled, finished with Gold and Silver. All work is carried out directly by Gianni Inclimona who continues to use old traditional methods. For this reason, only a few of these special artistic Chess Sets are produced each year.
