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Description

Backgammon Set with Board & Pieces
Stone Source: Malachite & Chrysocolla, Pietersite, Corundum, & Magnesite
DR Congo, Namibia, India, & Australia
Artist: Konstantin Libman

Played for thousands of years, backgammon remains one of the world's most enduring strategic games-a timeless fusion of skill, chance, and tradition. This remarkable game board elevates the experience with an exquisite composition of rare and exotic minerals, masterfully crafted into a functional work of art. The exterior is clad in luxurious green and turquoise Malachite with Chrysocolla, sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The vivid coloration of the Malachite, a Copper-derived mineral, is breathtaking-displaying rich hues, dynamic formations, and a captivating chatoyant shimmer. The natural stone has been expertly cut, polished, and inlaid across all outer surfaces, forming a cohesive, book-matched design that highlights the stone's natural elegance. Upon opening, the board erupts with color in a dramatic display of rare Pietersite from Namibia. This highly sought-after variety of Chalcedony is renowned for its fibrous texture and swirling interplay of deep blues, fiery oranges, golden yellows, rich reds, and inky blacks-creating a dynamic, almost storm-like visual effect. Completing the playing surface are twenty-four (24) triangular "points", meticulously hewn from chatoyant golden Tiger's-Eye, adding both contrast and luminosity to the design. This extraordinary set is accompanied by thirty-six (36) handcrafted checker pieces, each carved from exotic Australian 'Lime Chrysoprase' (Magnesite) and deep brownish-purple Corundum from India. These elegant pieces rest within dark Beechwood holders, framed by sleek black Diabase (Dolerite) with flecks of glass, lending the set an understated, iridescent sheen. Masterfully designed by artist Konstantin Libman, this game board is in excellent condition, with only minor surface scratches on the exterior stone and a tiny nick on one outer corner-hardly detracting from its overall brilliance. The board is finished with Gold-plated Silver hinges in a decorative filigree design. The set also includes two wooden, velvet-lined presentation boxes-one for the board and another for the checkers and dice-ensuring both safekeeping and presentation-worthy elegance. A game of both strategy and luck, backgammon has captivated players for millennia-but few will ever have the fortune to own a set as rare and breathtaking as this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Overall Opened Measurements: 16.14 x 15.75 x 0.98 inches (41 x 40 x 2.5 cm)


Condition Report*: Condition report available upon request.
*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
April, 2025
23rd Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,895

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.

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Sold on Apr 23, 2025 for: $25,000.00
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