ALFIO SCHACHTISCH

In 1958 Mario Guerra, a young artisan fascinated by natural materials and intricate craftsmaship, decided to set up a workshop in Recanati, a small italian town rich in culture and ancient traditions. Thus was born A.R.C.A. Artigiana Recanatese Corno e Affini, a company specialized in the processing of Zebu horn which is molded into unique pieces.
The first creations included an extensive selection of cutlery, tableware, jewelry and personal care accessories. With just the hands and the help of fire and of a few tools, horn is shaped into timeless objects and reveals its veins that are always different by nature. Horn shades are combined with other precious materials selected with obsessive care in order to obtain exclusive pieces that make our daily gestures unique. Over time, the founder conveyed his passion and know-how to his sons, Giorgio and Silvia. In the early 2000s the company started collaborating with designers and embraced a new path, focused in the production of complementary furniture.
In 2013, the company registered the trademark Arcahorn and mainly focused on the manufacturing of high-end furniture, while still remaining faithful to traditional craftsmanship. Each piece stands out for its impeccable quality and meticulous attention to detail and it’s conceived to enter the most elegant private residences, yachts, hotels and boutiques, also with bespoke solutions.

Arcahorn's vocation for craftsmanship is combined with concern for the environment by adopting low-impact solutions and concentrating production locally. Zebu horns, raised in the wild with respect for the animal's ethology, are recovered to make the products. The selected species (Horn Bos Taurus) are not protected by the Washington Convention and do not require CITES certification. The horn acquires new value through a meticulous craftsmanship process aimed at enhancing the organic and never equal in nature characteristics of the raw material.

The horn reveals its uniqueness after an intricate production cycle that requires long production times and specific craftsmanship. Each stage of processing is taken care of by skilled masters who shape the horn according to ancient techniques handed down by traditional craftsmanship. After careful selection of the best parts and their exposure to fire, the horn becomes malleable and ready to be polished. With the complicity of just a few tools, the craftsmen's hands gradually transform the horn into tesserae that are skillfully matched to create unique creations of infinite natural hues.

Schachbretttisch aus dunklem Horn und Holz mit schwarz glänzender Lackierung. Tischplatte aus gehärtetem Rauchglas mit silbernem Schachbrett im Siebdruckverfahren. Schachfiguren aus Horn und Messing mit Palladiumbeschichtung.

The Alfio chess table by Arcahorn is a masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship, featuring luxurious materials and elegant horn details. Proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and functionality. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips:

Surface Cleaning: Wipe the tabletop with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the finish. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution designed for delicate materials.

Horn Detail Maintenance: Dust the horn accents with a dry, non-abrasive cloth. To restore their natural shine, apply a small amount of natural wax and polish gently.

Chessboard Care: Use a microfiber cloth to clean the chessboard, ensuring no scratches are made on the surface.

Protect from Sunlight and Moisture: Keep the table in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or high humidity, to prevent warping or discoloration.

Use Gentle Products: Opt for eco-friendly, non-aggressive cleaning solutions to safeguard the table’s premium materials.

By following these steps, your Alfio chess table by Arcahorn will remain a luxurious and timeless addition to your game room or living space.