Khor Virap Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle, 50 cm

Khor Virap Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle, 50 cm — Handmade in Armenia

Cut into pale, figured walnut, Khor Virap's walls and church sit below two poplars and the peak of Ararat in the lobed cartouche of this Armenian backgammon set, a road curving up to the gate and a diamond lattice covering the lid around the frame. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 50 × 50 cm / 19.6″ × 19.6″ open, 25 × 50 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The walnut backgammon board's other face is carved, not inlaid: a chequered panel whose alternate squares each hold a small incised flower, with a fan of scallops filling the half-round at each end.

Inside, the walnut is left bare: points scored in fine line with arrow tips, and in each half an incised map of Armenia with Artsakh and the provinces lettered in Armenian, one for each player, with long grips in the rails, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 50 × 50 cm / 19.6″ × 19.6″
• Size folded: 50 × 25 cm / 19.6″ × 9.8″
• Material: walnut wood, natural pale finish, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: Khor Virap monastery, poplars and Mount Ararat in a lobed cartouche on a diamond-lattice lid; chequered panel with incised flowers between scalloped fans 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: incised points with arrow tips and an incised map of Armenia with lettered provinces in each half; long rail grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Walnut left pale: the board is finished natural, so the figure of the walnut shows through the carving.
• Ararat over the walls: monastery, poplars, road and mountain are cut in layers of relief inside the cartouche.
• Maps under the checkers: Armenia with its provinces is scored into each half of the playing side.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is there scrollwork on this board? No — the old photo captions mention scrollwork, but the lid is a lobed cartouche on a diamond lattice and the back is a flower-cut chequered panel between scalloped fans. The walnut is a pale natural tone rather than dark. 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 walnut out of direct sun and store the board closed with the checkers inside.

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