Armenian Coat of Arms Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls

Armenian Coat of Arms Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

The Armenian coat of arms — eagle and lion rearing either side of the shield, Ararat and the ark at its heart — is carved in relief in the rope-rimmed roundel of this Armenian backgammon set, with broad leaf scrolls and stippled grape clusters filling the rest of the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse carries the same leaf-and-grape scrolls at either end of a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares, so the closed board plays a second game.

Open it and each half holds an outline map of Armenia, regions and all, cut into the wood between rows of incised drop-shaped points; the bar edges are scalloped, the rails and corners cut with troughs, the hinges plain brass-toned. The seven photos show the board alone.

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 a pale wood chequered inlay, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: the Armenian coat of arms in a rope-rimmed roundel with leaf scrolls and stippled grape clusters across the lid; leaf-and-grape scrolls flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an incised outline map of Armenia with its regions in each half; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Edges: wavy outline, no cut-out grip
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• The full arms: eagle, lion, shield, Ararat and ark all read inside one rope-rimmed roundel.
• Armenia inside: an outline map of the country with its regions is cut into each half of the playing side.
• Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is a bag included? No. The old copy listed a carrying bag, and its photo captions promised checkers and dice on the board, but the seven photos show the board only, so the bag is not included and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification. The incised maps inside and the chequered reverse were never mentioned before.

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 arms and the scrolls with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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