Coat of Arms in Carved Arches Armenian Backgammon Set

Coat of Arms in Carved Arches Armenian Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Framed by two broad arched bands that curve in from either end, the coat of arms of Armenia — eagle and lion holding the Ararat shield with Noah's Ark on its summit — fills the roundel at the centre of this carved Armenian backgammon set, with a lattice cut into the lunettes at each end and a plaited band round the edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The arms are cut in deep relief over a stippled ground and the arches stand higher still, so the lid has three levels of carving. On the other outer face the same arches and lattice lunettes frame a chequered panel of pale and dark squares, lettered along its edge.

Inside, the wooden backgammon board is dark stained with pale points let in, each tipped with an arrow, a pale interlaced knot roundel in each half and a long dice recess in every corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: coat of arms of Armenia in a roundel between arched bands and lattice lunettes, plaited border; lettered chequered panel in the same frame on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced knot roundel in each half; corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• The full arms: eagle, lion, the quartered shield, sword, quill, wheat and chain.
• Arches and lattice: a carved frame that gives the lid depth before you reach the arms.
• Inlaid field: pale points and knot roundels set into the dark board.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is Noah's Ark really on it? Yes — at the centre of the shield, as on the national arms, Ararat is carved with the Ark resting on its peak; it is small, but it is there. The arms and arches are relief over a stippled ground; the points and roundels inside are pale wood set into the dark beech.

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 surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board away from direct sun and radiators and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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