Ararat in Leaf Frame Backgammon Set with Handle

Ararat in Leaf Frame Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Two snow-capped peaks in pale wood stand over the walls and church of Khor Virap on this Armenian backgammon set, the monastery and its terraced fields carved in relief across the whole lid inside a frame of long curling leaves, with a cut-out carry handle at the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Closed the other way up, the carved backgammon set shows a shell-and-scroll cartouche on each side of a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares.

Inside, both halves are inlaid in pale wood: fleur-tipped points and an oval reading ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ under Ararat's peaks with grapes and a pomegranate, one facing each player. Side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges; 32 wooden checkers and dice come with it.

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: Mount Ararat above Khor Virap monastery and fields inside a leaf-scroll frame; shell-and-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 ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ oval with Ararat, grapes and a pomegranate 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

• The full width: the landscape runs edge to edge inside the leaf frame instead of sitting in a small roundel.
• Pale summits: both peaks are left in bare pale wood, the only untinted part of the lid.
• Armenia inside: each half carries an inlaid ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ oval with Ararat, grapes and a pomegranate facing its player.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the sunrise? There isn't one — the old listing described sun rays in two-tone relief, but the carving is Ararat and Khor Virap in daylight with pale snow caps and no rays. 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.