{"product_id":"monumental-chess-set-the-ball-a-war-of-luxury-and-fashion-in-silver-gold","title":"Monumental Chess Set “The Ball - A War of Luxury and Fashion” in Silver \u0026 Gold","description":"\u003cp\u003e“The Ball - A War of Luxury and Fashion” is a monumental sculptural chess set conceived as a museum-level collectible and created within the Konforti family atelier in the spirit of the great Imperial workshops of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExecuted exclusively as a private commission, this extraordinary work celebrates one of the most fascinating rivalries in European cultural history: the competition between the Imperial Court of Catherine the Great of Russia and the Royal Court of Marie Antoinette of France. While history often remembers the political conflicts of nations, this chess set explores a different battlefield-the struggle for supremacy in elegance, fashion, ceremony, and courtly magnificence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced only in a very limited number of examples worldwide, each chess set requires many months of dedicated craftsmanship and combines haute joaillerie techniques, monumental silver sculpture, hot enamel artistry, stone carving, miniature painting, and architectural design into a single unified work of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the scale and complexity of the project, the atelier undertakes only a small number of such commissions each year. Every commission is scheduled individually, and a production slot is reserved upon confirmation of the order. Each chess set requires approximately 18 months (1.5 years) to complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors receive full documentation, certificates of authenticity and materials, and direct communication with the atelier throughout the creation process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical Inspiration\u003cbr\u003eThe Rococo period transformed court life into a continuous celebration of luxury, refinement, and theatrical spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo courts dominated Europe during this age:\u003cbr\u003eThe Court of Queen Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI of France\u003cbr\u003eThe Court of Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great) and Prince Grigory Potemkin of Russia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Russia and France were political competitors, they were equally engaged in a cultural contest for the title of Europe's most magnificent and extravagant court.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, these courts were shaped by two remarkable women. Marie Antoinette became the supreme icon of European fashion and elegance, while Catherine the Great transformed Russia into one of the leading cultural powers of the continent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir courts competed through architecture, jewelry, celebrations, military splendor, music, and fashion. The rivalry extended even into hairstyles. At the French court, elaborate powdered coiffures adorned with miniature ships became symbols of prestige and propaganda. The famous “à la Belle Poule” hairstyle commemorated the victory of the French frigate Belle Poule and inspired fashion trends throughout Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian aristocrats soon adopted similar fashions, incorporating miniature ships into court hairstyles as symbols of Russia's growing naval power. It was a competition not only of politics and military prestige, but also of imagination, luxury, and spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grand balls of Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette represented the pinnacle of eighteenth-century elegance. Guests appeared in enormous powdered wigs, corsets, pannier gowns, jewels, lace, and richly embroidered silks. At the center of these celebrations stood the majestic Minuet, a dance emphasizing grace, etiquette, and ceremonial movement.\u003cbr\u003eThis extraordinary chess set captures that world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Chess Set and a Theatrical Stage\u003cbr\u003eUnlike traditional chess sets, “The Ball - A War of Luxury and Fashion” transforms after the game is finished.\u003cbr\u003eDuring play it functions as a complete classical chess set.\u003cbr\u003eWhen the pieces are rearranged, however, the composition becomes a grand ballroom scene.\u003cbr\u003eFour additional figures-two Russian court ladies and two French court ladies-join selected officers to recreate the elegant Minuet danced at the courts of Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetween the architectural pavilions positioned at the corners of the board stand celebrated violinists and cellists of the period, performing for the assembled guests. Kings and queens observe the festivities while elite guards from both nations stand watch over the magnificent spectacle.\u003cbr\u003eThe result is both a playable chess game and a miniature theatrical stage celebrating one of the most glamorous periods in European history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one contemporary observer of these courts reportedly remarked:\u003cbr\u003e\"Everything shines and resounds. A war is being fought for supremacy in fashion, splendor, and beauty. It is a celebration of the joy of life. It is the Ball.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Figures:\u003cbr\u003eFrench Court-\u003cbr\u003eKing-Louis XVI\u003cbr\u003eQueen-Marie Antoinette\u003cbr\u003eOfficers and Aristocrats-Count Hans Axel von Fersen\u003cbr\u003eDuke de Lauzun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Ballroom Figures\u003cbr\u003eDuchess de Polignac\u003cbr\u003ePrincess de Lamballe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViolin Virtuosos\u003cbr\u003eGiovanni Battista Viotti\u003cbr\u003eChevalier de Saint-Georges\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCello Masters\u003cbr\u003eLuigi Boccherini\u003cbr\u003eAnton Kraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoldiers\u003cbr\u003eSwiss Guards of the French Royal Household\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian Court\u003cbr\u003eKing-Prince Grigory Potemkin\u003cbr\u003eQueen-Empress Catherine II (Catherine the Great)\u003cbr\u003eOfficers and Aristocrats-Count Semyon Zorich\u003cbr\u003eCount Alexander- Dmitriev-Mamonov\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Ballroom Figures\u003cbr\u003eCountess Praskovya Bruce\u003cbr\u003eCountess Alexandra Branitskaya\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViolin Virtuosos\u003cbr\u003eIvan Khandoshkin\u003cbr\u003eAnton Ferdinand Titz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCello Masters\u003cbr\u003eJean-Louis Duport\u003cbr\u003eJean-Pierre Duport\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoldiers\u003cbr\u003eElite Guards of Catherine the Great, including the Semenovsky and Izmailovsky Regiments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchitectural Composition\u003cbr\u003eThe monumental chessboard is conceived as a Rococo palace transformed into a ballroom.\u003cbr\u003eElegant pavilions crowned with imperial domes occupy the corners of the composition, while ornate balustrades, gemstone-set architectural details, and ceremonial emblems surround the playing field.\u003cbr\u003eThe side panels feature elaborate scenes of aristocratic life, court celebrations, gardens, music, and dancing, executed in an exclusive lacquer miniature painting technique and enriched with precious metals and gemstones.\u003cbr\u003eThe central panel reveals a magnificent ballroom illuminated by chandeliers and grand staircases, evoking the atmosphere of the most lavish celebrations held at Versailles and the Winter Palace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery architectural detail has been designed to create the impression that the viewer is looking into a miniature Imperial world frozen in a moment of elegance and spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions and Materials:\u003cbr\u003eChessboard Dimensions\u003cbr\u003eApproximately 65 × 65 × 15 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFigure Heights\u003cbr\u003eApproximately 11-13 cm\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003e960 Silver\u003cbr\u003e925 Sterling Silver\u003cbr\u003e18K Gold Inlay\u003cbr\u003e24K Gold Vermeil\u003cbr\u003eLapis Lazuli\u003cbr\u003eOnyx\u003cbr\u003eDiamonds\u003cbr\u003eRubies\u003cbr\u003eSapphires\u003cbr\u003eEmeralds\u003cbr\u003eTopaz\u003cbr\u003eGarnets\u003cbr\u003eTsavorites\u003cbr\u003eTourmalines\u003cbr\u003ePearls\u003cbr\u003eChalcedony\u003cbr\u003ePrecious hardwood foundation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side-panel paintings are executed in an exclusive lacquer miniature technique enriched with 18K gold, silver, and gemstone inlay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechniques\u003cbr\u003eThis work brings together numerous traditional luxury arts techniques, including:\u003cbr\u003ePrecious metal sculpture\u003cbr\u003eHot transparent enamel\u003cbr\u003eArtistic casting\u003cbr\u003eChasing\u003cbr\u003eHand engraving\u003cbr\u003eRepoussé\u003cbr\u003eStone carving\u003cbr\u003eGold and silver inlay\u003cbr\u003eGemstone setting\u003cbr\u003eLacquer miniature painting\u003cbr\u003eArchitectural metalwork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery figure is individually sculpted and finished by hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommission and Personalization\u003cbr\u003eEach chess set is created exclusively for its collector.\u003cbr\u003eThe commission process allows for discreet personalization, including selected gemstone variations, color interpretations, heraldic elements, and other bespoke details, ensuring that every completed work remains unique.\u003cbr\u003eThe atelier also accepts fully custom commissions for entirely original chess compositions and historical themes.\u003cbr\u003eFrom the first sketches through the final sculptural execution, every stage is developed in close collaboration with the client.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAtelier and Provenance\u003cbr\u003eEach work is created within the Konforti family atelier, a multi-generational workshop led by Inga and Barak Konforti, continuing the artistic legacy established by master artists Ella and Yuri Bogoslavsky.\u003cbr\u003eEvery piece is entirely handcrafted using traditional techniques, combining sculpture, jewelry arts, enamel work, miniature painting, and gemstone setting.\u003cbr\u003eAs part of the commission, the collector receives a complimentary signed original design sketch, presented as part of the artistic provenance of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping and Delivery\u003cbr\u003eComplimentary worldwide shipping and full insurance are included.\u003cbr\u003eBecause of the scale, value, and complexity of the chess set, delivery is arranged individually through specialized fine-art logistics providers. Museum-standard crating, white-glove handling, and fully insured transportation are coordinated according to the destination and collector's preferences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaxes and Duties\u003cbr\u003eImport duties, VAT, customs clearance charges, and local taxes are not included in the listed price and remain the responsibility of the buyer upon importation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinal Note\u003cbr\u003e“The Ball - A War of Luxury and Fashion” is not merely a chess set. It is a sculptural theatrical composition, a celebration of the rivalry between two of the most magnificent courts in European history, and a tribute to the art, music, fashion, and grandeur of the Rococo age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated at the intersection of fine art, historical storytelling, architecture, and haute joaillerie, it is conceived as a generational masterpiece intended to stand among the great traditions of Imperial decorative art.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Konforti","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42879830917191,"sku":"BALL-ROC-001","price":2500000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/1657\/1975\/files\/imperial-rococo-chess-set-marie-antoinette-catherine-the-great-main-view.jpg-Copy.jpg?v=1781549932","url":"https:\/\/konfortijewelry.com\/it\/products\/monumental-chess-set-the-ball-a-war-of-luxury-and-fashion-in-silver-gold","provider":"Konforti Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}