A monumental Chess Set, Gold, Silver, Enamel, Precious stones, Austro-Hungarian

Description

This magnificent chess set is crafted in silver and gold and mounted throughout with semi-precious stones. This exceptionally large and complete thirty-two-piece silver and gold chess set represents the very height of Austro-Hungarian silversmithing and enamel work of the Historismus period, when the celebrated workshops of Vienna and Budapest produced lavish Renaissance Revival objects in silver and painted enamel for the great international exhibitions and an elite clientele of European collectors. Complete chess sets of this quality are among the rarest objects these workshops produced, and fewer still survive fully intact. The two opposing armies are magnificently modeled as figural medieval courts, one finished in silver with sky blue enamel, the other in silver-gilt with rich royal blue enamel, each figure raised on a domed red enamel base with beaded borders. The playing surface features contrasting black and gilt squares and is surrounded by a charming gallery of turned balusters joined by silver chains, with enameled sentinel figures standing guard at the corners. The case itself is a masterpiece in its own right. Each side is mounted with hand-painted enamel plaques depicting figural scenes on a celeste blue ground, set within white enamel scrolled cartouche frames and flanked by finely worked silver filigree panels. The corners and feet are dressed in elaborate silver filigree mounts studded with cabochon amethysts and pearls, all resting on a molded wooden plinth. The level of detail throughout, from the miniature enamel painting to the jeweled filigree work, is truly extraordinary and of museum quality. The set is fully complete and in excellent antique condition, with vibrant enamel color and only minor wear consistent with age. A true collector's piece and a rare opportunity to acquire a complete example of the finest Austro-Hungarian silver and enamel work of the 19th century. Dimensions: 7" Height 22" Width 22" Depth King: 4" H Total Weight: 447 oz

Details

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