Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Backgammon Set with Handle

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Domes and minarets rise over a paved courtyard in the arched, rope-bordered frame of this Abu Dhabi backgammon set — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque carved in relief on a stippled ground, the courtyard flagstones drawn in perspective towards it. Leaf scrolls fill the corners either side of the frame, a beaded border runs round the edge, and a cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The second face of the wooden backgammon board is plainer: sixty-four squares inlaid in pale and dark wood down the middle, and a single carved leaf scroll to the left and right of them.

Inside, the points are pale wood inlays with arrow tips and an interlaced pale-wood roundel sits at the centre of each half; cut-out grips are let into the side rails with a dice recess at each corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained with pale wood inlays, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with domes, minarets and a paved courtyard in an arched frame, leaf scrolls and a beaded border; inlaid chequered panel between scroll panels on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced pale-wood roundel in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• A courtyard in perspective: the flagstones narrow towards the mosque, so the frame has depth as well as relief.
• An arched frame for an arched building: the lobed outline of the panel echoes the mosque's own arcades.
• Inlay inside: arrow-tipped points and an interlaced roundel in each half, pale wood in dark beech.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the mosque named on the board? No lettering — the building is identified by its domes, minarets and the wide paved forecourt, which follow the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's outline. The scene is relief carving in stained beech; the points and roundels inside are pale wood inlays.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free worldwide and tracked. Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.

How do I look after it? Brush the carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.