Description
Giuseppe Vasari Greco-Roman Gilded Cast Bronze Chess Set.
A breathtaking example of 20th-century Italian decorative sculpture, this Giuseppe Vasari Greco-Roman chess set (sometimes catalogued as “Scacchiera Romana” or “Greco-Roman Wars”). This heirloom quality masterpiece was created by master sculptor Giuseppe Vasari at La Bottega del Vasari, Florence, during the 1970s–1990s. This desirable set of chessmen is in very limited production.
The pieces are cast bronze construction with gold plating, The 5-1/2″ king height align withs their larger Vasari models from the late 20th century. This is one of the best and most desirable of the Vasari designs from a La Bottega del Vasari Greco-Roman themed chess set. The Italian company, founded by Gianni Inclimona (who styled himself as “il Vasari”), specialized in luxury, hand-chiseled bronze chess sets with 24K gold and silver plating, The “Vasari” signature is in very small script on some the bases of the chessmen.
Every one of the 32 pieces of this Vasari Greco-Roman Chess Set is individually hand-cast in solid bronze using the traditional lost-wax process, then meticulously silver-plated or 24K gold-plated with selective contrasting accents. The result is a rich two-tone effect that brings the opposing armies to life with museum-level detail and luster.
The Two Armies
- Silvered side with gold accents – The disciplined legions of Rome.
- Gilded side with silver accents – The opulent senators, emperors, and classical Greek allies of the Roman world
The Vasari Greco-Roman Chessmen
- King & Queen: Majestic imperial figures in flowing togas and armor; one raises a scepter or scroll, the other a laurel wreath or tablet of law — symbols of supreme authority.
- Bishops: Heavily armored hoplites and legionaries with large round shields (one bearing a thunderbolt/eagle motif) and tall crested helmets.
- Knights: Four magnificent rearing warhorses with fully armored Roman cavalry riders — dynamic, museum-worthy action poses.
- Rooks: A brilliant historical contrast — – One pair: elegant Corinthian and Ionic temple columns with embedded classical statues. – Opposing pair: authentic Roman siege engines (ballistae/scorpions) complete with the unique siege-engine (ballista) and temple-column rooks,
- Pawns: Stoic legionary infantry in helmets, greaves, and capes, carrying spears and shields — every figure individually detailed.
All pieces stand on ornate pedestals featuring the classic Greek-key (meander) border motif.
The Chessboard
At its core is a magnificent 23-inch square board with 2-3/4 inlaid squares, “featuring a rich mixture of premium white marble and richly veined multicolored onyx. The natural stone tiles offer both visual drama and luxurious tactile quality, evoking the polished floors of ancient Roman palaces.
Encircling the board is an extraordinary silvered and gold-accented bronze frame alive with intricate high-relief sculptures: chariots drawn by galloping horses, majestic classical columns, the arched grandeur of the Colosseum, fallen architectural elements, and flowing wave motifs—all crowned by a gleaming golden Greek-key (meander) border.
Dramatically supporting the entire piece are two powerful, rearing silver stallions poised on ornate gilded pedestals at each end. These sculptural “legs” transform the chessboard into a commanding work of art that stands proudly on any table or console.
A signature brass plaque reads “La Bottega del Vasari – MADE IN ITALY,” confirming its provenance from the renowned workshop founded by Gianni Inclimona (il “Vasari”), whose lineage traces back to the great Renaissance artist and architect Giorgio Vasari.
Specifications •22″ × 22″ marble & onyx squares • Frame & supports: Silvered and gilded bronze with hand-sculpted reliefs.
Dimensions (Premium Large Size)
- King: approximately 5¼–5½ inches tall
- Rooks: up to 6 inches tall
- Base. consistent 2–2½ inches across the set
Condition & Rarity
This Vasari Greco-Roman Chess Set is in excellent original condition — crisp casting, vibrant two-tone plating with no significant wear, chips, or repairs. The selective gilding remains bright and even. Complete 32-piece sets of this premium large size with the distinctive siege-engine rooks have become increasingly rare.
This is a true collector’s masterpiece that captures the grandeur of ancient Rome and the classical world. Perfect for display in a library, executive office, formal study, or as a centerpiece in any room celebrating history and fine art.
Ideal for the serious chess collector, Roman history enthusiast, or connoisseur of museum-quality Italian bronze sculpture.
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.
