Ararat Sunrise over Khor Virap Backgammon Set with Handle

Ararat Sunrise over Khor Virap Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Rays fan out from behind the greater peak of Ararat on the lid of this Armenian backgammon set, the two summits left in pale wood above a stippled sky, with the walls, gate and church of Khor Virap and a line of poplars carved below them inside an arched frame, and a heavy acanthus scroll curling into each corner. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The acanthus returns on the other face as a scroll cartouche at each end of a chequered panel inlaid flush in pale and dark squares.

Inside, a map of Armenia with Artsakh and lettered provinces is inlaid in pale wood in each half, one for each player, between fleur-tipped inlaid points, with side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and 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, warm brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: sunrise rays behind Mount Ararat above Khor Virap monastery and poplars in an arched frame with acanthus scroll corners; scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel 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 fleur tips and an inlaid map of Armenia with lettered provinces in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front 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

• Sun behind the mountain: the rays are cut as fine radiating lines, so the peak reads as backlit at dawn.
• Corners in high relief: four acanthus scrolls stand well off the lid and frame the arched scene.
• Maps for both players: Armenia inlaid in pale wood in each half, provinces lettered, facing its seat.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What are the 'ornate corners'? Four acanthus leaf scrolls, one curling into each corner of the lid around an arched frame — the old listing had that right, though it did not mention the sunrise rays behind Ararat or the maps inside. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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 faces 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.