Scacchiera e scacchi in alabastro di Volterra Italia, fine anni ’70 - Chess set

Chessboard and chess pieces in alabaster from Volterra – Italy, late 1970s – Handmade

Elegant handcrafted chessboard made entirely of Volterra alabaster, accompanied by 32 chess pieces in cream and brown colors.
Purchased directly in Volterra towards the late 1970s, it represents a refined testament to Tuscan craftsmanship and the Italian tradition of working natural stone.

Description and features

Material: alabaster from Volterra

Origin: Volterra, Tuscany – Italy

Late 1970s

Conditions: the game board has a small crack on one corner, as shown in the photograph, which does not compromise the stability or the overall beauty of the item.

Construction details: at the bottom of the chessboard, there are four support feet and a reinforcement frame, as can be seen in some photographs.

Pieces: 32 original chess pieces in alabaster (cream and brown) + a second partial set of 31 chess pieces, donated as a gift, some of which show marks or small breaks.

Material characteristic: alabaster shows a natural yellowing due to time, which gives the piece a warm and authentic charm.

Historical and cultural context

Alabaster is a soft, luminous, and delicate stone, appreciated since ancient times for its translucency and unique shades.
Volterra, in the province of Pisa, is recognized as the world capital of alabaster, and for over two thousand years, local master artisans have worked on blocks extracted from the surrounding quarries, creating objects of art, sculptures, and decorative artifacts of rare elegance.

This chessboard is a perfect example of Made in Italy craftsmanship, handmade with natural materials, combining the aesthetic value of Volterran stone with the timeless charm of the game of chess.

Note

Authentic and unique piece, ideal for collectors of alabaster objects, enthusiasts of Tuscan craftsmanship, and chess lovers.