Mid 20th Century 18 Karat Gold Gilt Anri Montsalvat Chess Set

Description

Title: 18 Karat Gold Gilt Chess Set.
Maker: Anri.
Model: Montsalvat.
Item number: 81801 (Anri).
Origin: Italy.
Period: 1949-1960.
Materials: … more Title: 18 Karat Gold Gilt Chess Set.
Maker: Anri.
Model: Montsalvat.
Item number: 81801 (Anri).
Origin: Italy.
Period: 1949-1960.
Materials: Alpine maple, walnut, mahogany, 18 karat gold.

Offered is a rare 18 Karat Gold Gilt Chess Set in its original Mahogany case and original figured Alpine Maple/Walnut game board. The King measures 5.5 inches H. Each piece is highlighted with 18 karat Gold gilt. Circa 1950s.

The chess set features beautifully hand-carved and hand-painted figural 18 Karat Gold Anri Montsalvat Chessmen, crafted of alpine maple and 18 karat gold gilt, lightly weighted with felt bottoms. The King and Queen pieces bear Anri labels on the base, adhered to felt. The pieces are stored in the original hinge-top mahogany case, interior fitted with a removable tray. The original game board is finely crafted of figured alpine maple and walnut. The chess set theme is based on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The model name Montsalvat is after the castle of the Holy Grail, an important motif in Arthurian literature. The Montsalvat Medieval chess set is considered the most famous and collectible of the Anri chess sets.

Measures: Board; 22.75 L x 22.75 W x .5 H inches. Case; 17.5 L x 14 W x 6 H inches.

Includes: 34 pieces; (32) chessmen, (1) game board, (1) storage case.

About the maker: In the late 19th century Alois Riffeser traveled throughout the great European cities selling wood carved figurines and toys, bought from the farmers of the Gröden Valley in the Alps Dolomite region. At the time, the area in South Tyrol was part of Austria-Hungary until annexation to Italy in 1919.

Josef Anton Riffeser founded the ANRI Company in 1912. ANRI derives from the first two letters of his first and last name. During WWI, he conceived his plan for a woodcarving company while a POW in Siberia. He solely created models which he then successfully distributed mainly in the Alpine region.

In 1945, Anton Adolf Riffeser took the reins and transformed the ANRI company. Under his leadership, an industrial model was implemented focused on better quality control and distribution to new markets. Next, Ernst Riffeser made his mark by enlisting the services of many well-known artists such as Juan Ferràndiz, Sarah Kay and others. Today, the ANRI company is run by Thomas Riffeser, and still remains in the same family.

Craftsmanship: There is a long wood art tradition in Val Gardena, Italy, and dates back to the XVII century when farmers started producing wood toys and utensils during the long winter season. They used to sell the wares at spring markets. Part of the autonomous region Alto Adige/Southern Tyrol in Italy, the Val Gardena is known for a few things; ancient romantic language, skiing facilities – and notably an old wood carving tradition. From the 1950s - 1980s, the ANRI company’s chess sets were produced in this region and have gained collectors status, thanks to their unparalleled quality.

The Anri workshops are world-renowned for the wonderful wooden sculptures and statues crafted by the famous local sculptors and carvers. less