Armenian Interlace and Eternity Signs Backgammon Set in Walnut

Armenian Interlace and Eternity Signs Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

A cross-knot of interlaced strands fills the central roundel of this carved Armenian backgammon set, an eternity sign of spinning rays turns in a smaller roundel at either side, and plaited knotwork bands frame all three, the same on both outer faces. Walnut, 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

The strands of the knot pass over and under one another in low relief over a stippled ground, and the eternity signs and borders are cut to the same depth, so the wooden backgammon board reads as one continuous piece of Armenian line-work. Inside, the walnut field carries incised lattice points and a sun-wheel disc in each half, carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

Two colours of turned wooden checkers and a pair of dice make up the rest of the set; the halves lock together with a clasp at each side on brass hinges.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced cross-knot roundel between two eternity-sign roundels with plaited knotwork borders on both outer faces; incised lattice points and sun-wheel discs inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Three roundels: the interlaced knot in the middle, an eternity sign at each side.
• Plaited frames: knotwork bands run round every panel of the lid.
• Both faces alike: turn it over and the same relief looks back.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the interlace carved? Yes — the strands of the knot cross over and under in real relief, the eternity rays are cut in the round of their discs and the plaited borders are worked strand by strand; the ground between is stippled. The points and discs inside are incised lines in the walnut, not print.

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? Dust the carving with a soft brush and wipe the flat walnut 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.