Armenian Alphabet Backgammon Set, 4 Sizes

Armenian Alphabet Backgammon Set, 4 Sizes — Handmade in Armenia

Letters of the Armenian alphabet tumble across the pale-wood disc of this Armenian backgammon set in loose, brushed dark strokes at every angle, the disc held in a stepped cartouche between stippled panels with a diamond-lattice border round the lid. Four sizes, 30 to 60 cm square (11.8″ to 23.6″), handmade in Armenia.

The back of the board carries an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares between two panels of the same lattice, so it can be shelved either side out.

Lift the lid and each half shows a pale inlaid knotwork roundel between fleur-tipped inlaid points, with a checker trough along each rail and brass-toned hinges; the turned checkers in two woods, white dice and black carrying bag are photographed.

Specifications

• Size: four sizes — 30 × 30 cm, 40 × 40 cm, 50 × 50 cm or 60 × 60 cm (11.8″, 15.7″, 19.6″ or 23.6″ square) — choose above
• Size folded: 30 × 15 cm, 40 × 20 cm, 50 × 25 cm or 60 × 30 cm (11.8″ × 5.9″, 15.7″ × 7.9″, 19.6″ × 9.8″ or 23.6″ × 11.8″)
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with a pale wood disc and inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a pale-wood disc with Armenian letters in brushed dark strokes scattered at every angle, in a stepped cartouche with stippled panels and a diamond-lattice border; lattice and an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark; two dice
• Inside: inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid knotwork roundel in each half; checker troughs along the sides
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Two dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• The alphabet as pattern: the letters are tumbled and overlapped like brushwork, not lined up as a chart.
• Four sizes: from a 30 cm board that travels to a full 60 cm board, same disc on each.
• Everything photographed: checkers, dice and the carrying bag all appear in the listing photos.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are all 39 letters shown? The disc is a scattered composition of Armenian letters rather than a full chart, so not every letter is present or readable — treat it as pattern, not a reference. One board was photographed for all four sizes and the design is the same at each; only the 30 cm board is a true travel size. Checkers, dice and the bag are photographed with it.

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? Wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth and brush the lattice and disc gently. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside, in the bag.

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