AN ITALIAN INLAID GAME BOARD
The outside arranged as checkers and mill game. Opening the board revealing a tric trac board.
All sides decorated with wooden inlay of rare geometric pattern in the Embriachi style.
In good condition.
43 x 34 cm closed, ca 1600.
This Italian game board, dating from the early 16th century, is a rare piece that combines the sophistication of Renaissance leisure and the master craftsmanship of the period. Its multifunctional design makes it an object of great interest. On the exterior, it features a board for checkers and nine men's morris, both popular strategic pastimes of the period. Opening the board reveals a tric-trac board, a European variant of backgammon or royal boards.
All the boards are made with inlaid walnut and light-toned fruitwoods. The decoration on the sides presents a geometric design related to the Embriachi style. This style, originating from a renowned Venetian workshop founded by Baldassarre Embriachi in the 15th century, is known for its geometric compositions creating repetitive and often kaleidoscopic patterns.
Overall, this piece is not only a playful artifact, but also a valuable example of Italian Renaissance furniture and decorative art, fusing functionality, beauty and a rich cultural history.
SOLD