A rare Belgian Art Deco chess table in marble, dating from the 1920s to 1930s. More than a games table, this is also a piece of decorative architecture in miniature, composed in black and warm honey-toned and whiter stone with a rigor that feels unmistakably of the period. The contrast is superb: dark, polished marble set against bands of lighter stone, arranged as structure with a distinctly architectural rhythm.
The top is especially striking, with its softly scalloped outline easing the strict geometry of the marble and giving the piece a more decorative silhouette. The chessboard itself is executed in the same black and honey-toned marble, so that surface and structure feel fully resolved as one composition. Below, the pedestal is built up from stacked and banded forms, its striped stone planes reinforcing the table’s architectural character. The whole design has that distinctly interwar talent for turning utility into display.
An object designed to be noticed from across the room.
The vintage carved camel bone chess pieces shown can be included if desired. They are not original to the table, but they are visually a good match. The table could also be paired beautifully with a marble chess set, which is not included.
An unusual and deeply decorative piece, equally suited to use as a chess table, a centrepiece in a room, or simply as an object with enough conviction to hold its own.
The table will be professionally crated for transport. A white glove delivery for US clients, as well as a courier transport within EU are both possible.
Creator
Design Period
1920s
Production Period
1920s - 1930s
Country of Manufacture
Belgium
Identifying Marks
No
Style
Art Deco, Applied Arts
Detailed Condition
very good condition, no chips, very stable and very heavy
