Garni Temple Backgammon Set with Handle

Garni Temple Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

The Temple of Garni — its colonnade, pediment and the broad flight of steps up to it — is carved in relief above a paved court in the rope-rimmed roundel of this Armenian backgammon set, between leaf scrolls inside a rope-and-leaf border. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Flip it shut and over: the reverse carries an inlaid chequered panel, pale and dark squares flush with the surface, framed by leaf-and-grape cartouches, the second handle cut above.

On the playing side the inlay continues: pale fleur-tipped points, and at the centre of each half an oval with ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ — Armenia — lettered over Ararat, a pomegranate and grapes. The rails have grip slots, the corners troughs, the hinges are brass-toned. The five 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, medium brown stain with pale wood inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: the Temple of Garni with its columns, pediment and steps in relief in a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope-and-leaf border; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: fleur-tipped inlaid points and an inlaid oval in each half with ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ lettering, Ararat, pomegranate and grapes; grip slots and corner troughs
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Temple front-on: columns, pediment and the full stair fill the roundel, so the building reads clearly from across the table.
• Armenia named inside: both inlaid ovals carry the country's name in Armenian with Ararat, pomegranate and grapes.
• Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the gorge in the carving? No — the old title promised a gorge view, but the roundel shows the temple, its steps and a paved court only, with no cliff or valley, so the title has been corrected. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the five photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 columns and the scrolls with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces and inlays 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.