Nigri Scacchi: Italian Artisan Chess Sets | Napoleone Imperatore

Nigri Scacchi: When Italian Artisans Transform Chess into Historical Theater

From the hills of Lucca, the Pacioni family has spent generations perfecting the art of transforming strategy into storytelling through handcrafted chess sets that bridge history and contemporary collecting.
In the hands of true artisans, chess transcends its origins as a game of strategy to become a canvas for cultural storytelling. For the Pacioni family of Nigri Scacchi, this transformation represents not just artistic vision but a generational commitment to preserving Italian craftsmanship traditions while creating contemporary treasures that resonate with collectors worldwide.

The Pacioni Family Legacy

Based in the rolling hills near Bagni di Lucca in Italy's Tuscany region, the Pacioni family has built their reputation through decades of meticulous artisan work. Their journey began with the traditional craft of creating nativity figurines, a beloved Italian Christmas tradition that demands exceptional attention to detail and cultural sensitivity. This foundation in religious art provided the perfect training ground for their evolution into chess artistry.

The family's commitment to their craft was beautifully illustrated when Lucia Pacioni showcased their work at the Lucca Artigiana artisan fair. Visitors were drawn to her stand, fascinated by the intricate historical battles reproduced in chess form, watching as she continued hand-decorating pieces even while engaging with curious collectors. This personal touch—where family members remain directly involved in every aspect of creation—reflects the authentic artisan tradition that makes Nigri Scacchi pieces so distinctive.
Nigri Scacchi
Italian Hand Painted Chess Set - "Napoleone Imperatore", 2007
Marble dust from the Carrara quarries.

The pieces are flattened and retouched one by one and then aged and painted by hand by master craftsmen, the entire process takes place in Italy in the province of Lucca.

32-piece Italian Hand Painted chess set

King Height - 3.5"
Pawn Height 2.0"

Being entirely handmade, the heights may vary by a few millimeters.
$1,500.00

Materials and Craftsmanship

The foundation of every Nigri Scacchi chess set lies in their innovative use of materials and time-honored techniques. Each piece begins with Oxo Teak, a specially formulated compound that mimics ivory in appearance, weight, and texture while remaining ethically sourced. This material's malleability allows master craftsmen to achieve extraordinary realism in their detailed carvings.

The process incorporates marble dust sourced from the world-renowned Carrara quarries, adding both historical significance and tactile luxury to each piece. Every figure is individually shaped, aged, and retouched before receiving its final hand-painted details. The artists use catalytic fixation colors, ensuring that the vibrant hues and intricate details remain vivid for generations. This entire process takes place in Italy's Lucca province, maintaining the authentic regional character that defines true Italian craftsmanship.
Featured Piece: "Napoleone Imperatore"

Canvas & Bronze's "Napoleone Imperatore" SP-43 represents the pinnacle of Nigri Scacchi's artistry, transforming the legendary emperor's era into a strategic battlefield that captivates both chess enthusiasts and art collectors. This 32-piece set features a king standing 3.5 inches tall and pawns at 2.0 inches, each figure meticulously crafted to embody the grandeur and drama of the Napoleonic period.

The set's appeal extends far beyond its functional purpose as a chess game. Each piece tells part of Napoleon's story, from the commanding presence of the emperor-king to the detailed uniforms of his faithful pawns. The hand-painted details capture not just the visual splendor of the era but the emotional weight of one of history's most compelling figures. This attention to historical accuracy and artistic interpretation has made the "Napoleone Imperatore" one of the most sought-after pieces in contemporary chess collecting, consistently drawing attention from visitors and collectors who appreciate both its strategic possibilities and its cultural significance.
Why Artisan Chess Resonates with Contemporary Collectors

The growing appeal of artisan chess sets like those created by Nigri Scacchi reflects a broader trend toward functional art that enriches daily life while carrying deeper cultural meaning. These pieces offer collectors something increasingly rare in our digital age: tangible connections to historical narratives and traditional craftsmanship.

For Canvas & Bronze collectors, Nigri Scacchi represents the gallery's commitment to discovering artisan traditions that bridge cultures and generations. At $1,500, the "Napoleone Imperatore" set occupies a distinctive position in the collecting landscape: sophisticated enough for serious enthusiasts yet accessible to those beginning their journey into functional art. The set serves multiple roles: a playable chess game, a conversation piece that sparks discussions about history and craftsmanship, and a beautiful display object that brings Italian artisan tradition into contemporary homes.

The Pacioni family's work exemplifies Canvas & Bronze's philosophy that meaningful art creates connections between past and present, between different cultures, and between the stories that objects carry and the stories we create around them. In transforming chess into historical theater, Nigri Scacchi reminds us that the most compelling art often emerges when function meets narrative, when traditional skills meet contemporary vision, and when family dedication meets global appreciation.
Further Images
Bagni di Lucca on Google Maps

Interested in learning more about Canvas & Bronze's collection of functional art and artisan treasures? Contact us to discover how traditional craftsmanship can enrich your contemporary collection.