Etchmiadzin and Ararat Backgammon Set

Etchmiadzin and Ararat Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Etchmiadzin Cathedral fills the rope-bordered roundel on this Armenian backgammon set — belfry porch, central dome and corner turrets carved in relief above a paved forecourt, with the two snow-capped peaks of Ararat rising behind on a stippled sky. Lattice-filled lobed panels sit either side under a chip-carved border. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The lid's other side is given over to inlay: a chequered panel of pale and dark squares runs down the middle, and a whorl disc is carved into the lobed panel at each end.

Inside, each half carries an inlaid map of Armenia with Artsakh and the provinces lettered in Armenian — one map for each player — between pale fleur-tipped inlaid points, with cut-out grips in the rails, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two 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, dark brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: Etchmiadzin Cathedral with belfry, dome and turrets before Mount Ararat in a rope-bordered roundel, lattice-filled lobed panels; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid map of Armenia with lettered provinces in each half; cut-out grips in the rails and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Cathedral in depth: porch, dome, turrets and the paving of the forecourt are cut in separate planes of relief.
• Ararat behind it: the twin peaks are pale wood left bare against the stippled sky.
• The map inside: Armenia with its provinces inlaid in pale wood in each half, facing its player.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How is it carried? By the grips cut into its rails — there is no cut-out grip in the lid of this board. The old copy listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here. Relief carving on the lid, pale wood inlays inside.

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.