Items Similar to French Malachite Backgammon Board
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
French Malachite Backgammon Board
About the Item
This stunning malachite backgammon set is almost certainly one-of-a-kind. Handcrafted of malachite, gilt brass and dyed leather, the favorite household game takes a luxurious form in this exquisite objet d’art. The backgammon board is cleverly concealed by two covers featuring exceptional Russian malachite. Its green swirls are resplendently elevated by intricate acanthus leaf ornamentation. The box opens to reveal the gameboard made of perfectly cut original red, black and green leather inlay. Exceptional and functional, the backgammon board is the epitome of fine French recreation.
Beyond the stunning materials and craftsmanship employed in its construction, this game set is further distinguished by its illustrious provenance. A testament to its immense beauty, exquisite craftsmanship and rarity, the backgammon board was acquired and loved by Sir Arthur and Rosalie Gilbert, among the 20th century’s most renowned philanthropists and art collectors. The couple made their fortune in the plastic, clothier and fashion industries. After retiring at the young age of 35, the couple went on to amass one of the world’s most extensive collections of fine and decorative art. The Gilberts’ collection, most of which was bequeathed to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London at their passing, celebrates some of the most astonishing items ever made, including objects crafted for Napoleon Bonaparte, Frederick the Great and William Beckford.
20th century
4" high x 14 7/8" wide x 23 1/2" deep
Provenance:
Private Collection of Sir Albert Gilbert
Private Collection, London
New Orleans.
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 14.88 in (37.8 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
93 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New Orleans, LA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
More From This SellerView All
- French Nécessaire de VoyageLocated in New Orleans, LAThis exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique ...Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Historical Memorabilia
MaterialsCrystal, Silver
- French Musical Automaton Picture ClockLocated in New Orleans, LAOne of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...Category
Antique 19th Century French Other Wall Clocks
MaterialsPaint
- French Musical Automation Picture ClockLocated in New Orleans, LAThis incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. A clock is integrated within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, and, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of these fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back and into the middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component, plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting -- a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Other Wall Clocks
MaterialsWood, Giltwood, Paint
- Jean-Gabriel Domergue's French Academician SwordBy Odette DomergueLocated in New Orleans, LAThis important and unique sword was presented to the famed French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue to commemorate the painter's election to the illustrious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1950. One of the highest honors bestowed on a French artist, the ceremonial induction into the French Academy has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the age of Napoléon. Rather than a weapon, the sword became part of the Academician's uniform, and, over time, its design came to represent the interests and aspirations of its recipient. This example was designed entirely by Domergue's wife Odette, a great sculptor in her own right, and thus it represents both a highly personal gift and an important art historical relic. The design of the sword is simply magnificent. Odette Domergue found her inspiration in antiquity, a theme that is also seen in the neoclassical sculptures that occupy the gardens of the couple's famous home, Villa Fiesole - also known as Villa Domergue - in Cannes. The impressive weapon boasts a solid gold handle that takes the form of a sinuous caryatid, who is nude save for a single swath of drapery. While the female figure recalls the sculpted supports prevalent in ancient Greek architecture, she also calls to mind the subjects for which Domergue was renowned - languorous, slightly risqué women with a seductive air. Other decorative elements such as fauna, cypresses, and grotesque heads enhance the whimsy and imagination of the incredible neoclassical design. Furthermore, the scabbard that contains the finely etched blade is also an impeccable work of art. Crafted of black Moroccan leather in imitation of the snake skin, it displays intricately engraved foliage patterns with a lion's head and Domergue's coat of arms. Though imagined by his wife, the sword was expertly chiseled by the celebrated goldsmith R. Delsinne and assembled by the atelier of the famed sculptor and medalist Raymond Delamarre...Category
20th Century Neoclassical Arms, Armor and Weapons
MaterialsSteel
- French Metamorphic Opera Glasses, 18K GoldLocated in New Orleans, LAThese unique 18K metamorphic gold French opera glasses are the epitome of both elegance and luxury. Exquisitely engraved with delicate floral motifs, these glasses fold up perfectly ...Category
Antique 19th Century French Scientific Instruments
MaterialsGold
- Joe DiMaggio Silver Presentation Tray by CartierBy CartierLocated in New Orleans, LAMade for one of the most celebrated sports figures of the 20th century, this incredible Cartier presentation tray was gifted to the baseball star Joe DiMaggio...Category
20th Century French Other Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
MaterialsSilver
You May Also Like
- Pennsylvania Backgammon Board, Signed "Wise"Located in York County, PAPENNSYLVANIA BACKGAMMON BOARD, SIGNED "WISE" WITH IMAGES OF A WAGON WHEEL AND A STAR OF DAVID, 1850-1880 Found near the town of Milford, in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, is...Category
Antique 19th Century American Game Boards
MaterialsWood
- Ettore Travertino Marble Backgammon BoardBy GiobagnaraLocated in Milan, ITThis stunning backgammon box is the ultimate gift for a game lover and a superb decorative object for any interior. Its functional structure is in Trave...Category
2010s Italian Games
MaterialsMarble
- Ettore Arabescato Marble Backgammon BoardBy GiobagnaraLocated in Milan, ITTimeless and sophisticated, this backgammon board will enrich a study or living room decor, while also providing a functional surface. The tray in Arabescato white marble has a rever...Category
2010s Italian Games
MaterialsMarble
- Isabel Mitchell Green Leather Backgammon BoardLocated in Tarrytown, NYIsabel Mitchell leather backgammon board. No pieces.Category
2010s Games
MaterialsLeather
- Ettore Eramosa Brown Marble Backgammon BoardBy GiobagnaraLocated in Milan, ITPart of the Ettore collection, this elegant backgammon board is so striking that can be displayed on a living room coffee table, console, or side table as a superb decorative object....Category
2010s Italian Games
MaterialsMarble
- Sadeli Micro Bone Inlay Backgammon/Chess BoardLocated in Sharon, CTAnglo-Indian 'Sadeli' bone and ebony inlay chessboard and backgammon box.Category
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Games
MaterialsBone
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Malachite Box Russian
Vintage Leather Backgammon Set
Golf Chess
Hollis Jones Chess
Piet Hein Rare Teak Board Game For Skjode
Antique Wood Golf Putter
Babyfoot Vintage
Bezique Table
Boon Ceramic
Gucci Chess Set
Herend Chess Set
Herend Chess
Mah Jong Box
Mcm Chess Set
Plexiglass Chess
Rolling Stones Pinball
Skee Ball
Syrian Chess Midcentury