Knotwork Disc and Border Backgammon Set

Knotwork Disc and Border Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

One deep-cut disc of interlace, bands weaving through leaf and bird shapes to a knotted centre, sits on the otherwise smooth lid of this Armenian backgammon set, inside a border of the same knotwork running unbroken round all four edges. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The carved backgammon set's reverse keeps the knot border and fills the middle with a chequered panel whose pale squares each carry a small four-petal cut.

Two brass-toned hinges and a pair of side clasps close the board, and 32 beech and walnut checkers with a pair of dice are included; the playing side is not shown in the photographs.

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, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: interlaced knot disc with leaf and bird forms on a smooth lid, knotwork border on all four edges; chequered panel with four-petal cuts inside the same border on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Knot within knot: the disc is a single interlace, cut deep enough to throw its own shadow.
• A border that never breaks: the same knotwork runs round the lid and again round the chequered back.
• Smooth where it counts: the lid is left plain around the disc, so the carving reads cleanly.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How is it carried? By its edges — there is no cut-out grip on this board, whatever an old photo caption said; it closes on two side clasps. The photographs do not show the playing side, so we do not describe it. 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 interlace 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.