Antiques M.S. Rau | French Malachite Backgammon Board

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 &Amp; 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
M.S. Rau, New Orleans