Knot Roundel and Sun Wheels Armenian Backgammon Set in Walnut

Knot Roundel and Sun Wheels Armenian Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

Between two square panels, each holding a many-rayed sun wheel, a dense interlaced knot fills the central roundel of this carved walnut Armenian backgammon set, with plaited bands framing every panel and running round the edge — all in shallow relief on pale, unstained walnut. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Turn the wooden backgammon board over and the layout repeats with one change: the same two sun-wheel panels flank a chequered panel of pale and dark squares instead of the knot. Both faces keep their natural colour, so the walnut's darker streaks show through the carving.

Inside, the field is plain walnut with incised points tipped with arrows, an incised spoked wheel in each half, a row of arches along the end rails 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: walnut wood, natural finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced knot roundel between two sun-wheel panels on the lid; chequered panel between the same sun wheels on the other face; plaited bands throughout
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Inside: incised points with arrow tips and a spoked wheel in each half; arched end rails, corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding walnut backgammon board, carved on both outer faces
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Three roundels in a row: sun wheel, knot, sun wheel — the lid reads at a glance.
• Plaited everywhere: each panel is framed in its own interlaced band.
• Unstained walnut: the grain runs through the carving instead of under a dark finish.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the knot cut deep? It is shallow relief: the bands of the knot and the rays of the sun wheels stand a few millimetres above a stippled ground, which is what gives the pale walnut its shadow lines. The points and wheels inside are incised, not raised.

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 it out of direct sun so the pale wood stays even, and store the board closed.

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