Ararat and Khor Virap Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle

Ararat and Khor Virap Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Mount Ararat rises above the walled monastery of Khor Virap in the oval scene carved across this walnut Armenian backgammon set, with poplars at the sides, a stone wall along the foot of the frame and a bunch of grapes on a leafy vine to the left. A pomegranate hangs from a leafy stem on the right and a cut-out carry handle runs through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The walnut is left its natural pale honey colour, so the scene reads in light and shadow rather than stain. On the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board a chequered panel with a knot cut into every second square sits between two panels of leaf scrolls.

Inside, each half carries an incised oval with ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ in Armenian letters, Ararat, a pomegranate and a bunch of grapes, facing its player, with incised teardrop points around it and rope-carved handle bars at the sides. 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: walnut wood, natural finish, brass hinges
• Carving: Ararat and Khor Virap landscape in an oval frame with grapes and a pomegranate beside it; chequered panel between leaf scrolls 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 teardrop points and an oval with ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ, Ararat, grapes and a pomegranate in each half
• Hardware: brass hinges
• 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

• A landscape, not a symbol: Ararat, the monastery, its walls, the poplars and the road are all in the one carved oval.
• Natural walnut: no stain, so the grain shows through the mountain and the sky.
• Armenia written inside: ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ with grapes and a pomegranate in each half, one for each player.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How deep is the scene? The oval is a shallow relief — the mountain and sky are stippled, the monastery, walls and trees stand a few millimetres proud, and the frame, grapes and pomegranate are cut deeper still. It is a picture to look at across the table, not a heavy sculpture.

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.