Knot Roundel and Palmette Corners Armenian Backgammon Set, Dark — Handmade in Armenia
Dark-stained and cut in shallow relief, this carved Armenian backgammon set carries a single interlaced knot roundel in the middle of each outer face, a plaited band round the edge and a palmette in every corner — the same on both sides, so there is no back. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.
The stain sits darkest in the stippled ground behind the knot, which makes the raised band read clearly from across the table. The wooden backgammon board is a plain rectangle with squared corners and two clasps on the front edge.
The inside is the same dark stain, with light-wood points and small arrow tips inlaid into it, a light interlaced star at the centre of each half, arches cut in a row along the end rails and a dice recess in each corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are supplied.
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: interlaced knot roundel, plaited border and palmette corners in shallow relief, the same on both outer faces
- Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
- Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced star roundel in each half; arched end rails, corner dice recesses
- Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding beech backgammon board, carved on both outer faces
- 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
- Dice
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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The knot: one endless band looping through itself, cut clean at every crossing.
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Same both faces: roundel, border and palmettes repeat on the second side.
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Inlaid field: pale points and stars set into the dark board, not painted.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is the wood really dark, or is that the photo? It is a dark stain over beech, deepest in the stippled ground and lighter on the raised bands; the pale points and star roundels inside are separate pieces of light wood let into the dark surface.
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 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.
