Gilt Silver, Lapis Lazuli, and Malachite Chessboard

The intense natural colors and patterns of rich blue lapis lazuli, most likely from Italy or Afghanistan, and brilliantly banded green malachite, most likely from the Ural Mountains of Russia, create the decorative design of this board. These two types of stone were popular among jewelers and furniture designers as well as being prized by artists as finely ground permanent pigments for use in paintings.