Description
Giuseppe Vasari Renaissance Chess Set.
Offered here is the Giuseppe Vasari Renaissance Chess Set. This all-metal construction features hollow bronze bases with the Vasari signature and felt bottoms to protect playing surfaces. These pieces are crafted from bronze, 800 silver, and gilt metal finishes and were created by Giuseppe Vasari. This particular set is called the Renaissance, and includes the ornate, superbly articulated figures shown.
The attire is classic 16th-century Italian Renaissance (1400–1600 AD) plate armor as seen in Italian city-states (Florence, Milan, Venice) during the Italian Wars (1494–1559) or earlier condottieri campaigns (e.g., under leaders like Francesco Sforza or Bartolomeo Colleoni).
The King stands 3-1/4″ tall, with a 1-3/8″ square base. All the pieces bear the signature in script of the master, Vasari, on the on the top of each of the bases. This Giuseppe Vasari Renaissance Chess Set dates to around 1990.
The marble Chessboard shown is included in this sale. It is crafted from solid marble squares and frame as shown and is truly a work of art. The chessboard measures 17″ with 1-1.2″ marble squares. The chessboard and chess pieces are in excellent condition. The black and White Spanish chessboard shown is not included but is available here.
The set was produced in two variations. the standard model and the Gorham collaboration model, which features marble pedestals for each piece, with signatures on the underside and a medallion on the board reading “Made in Italy by Giuseppe Vasari for Gorham Company“. The set offered here is the Standard model, not the Gorham collaboration model.
Background.
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.
