Armenian Interlace Star Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls

Armenian Interlace Star Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

One star, not many: bands of carved knotwork weave over and under each other into a single interlaced star round a small flower boss on this Armenian backgammon set — latticework on a cross-hatched ground in a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Turned over, the shut board carries an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares across its underside, the leaf-and-grape scrolls carved once more at both ends.

Inside, an interlaced flower is incised in a ring at the centre of each half, the points are incised with arrow tips, the bar edges are scalloped and a trough with a round cup at each end runs along every outer rail. Two ornate brass-toned hinges join the halves; there is no cut-out grip. 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 inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a single interlaced knotwork star of over-and-under bands round a flower boss, in a rope-rimmed roundel on a cross-hatched ground, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles on a wavy-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised arrow-tipped points, scalloped bar edges and an incised interlaced flower in a ring in each half; rail troughs with round cups at the ends
• Hardware: two ornate brass-toned hinges on the spine
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Knotwork in relief: the bands are cut so each passes over one neighbour and under the next, the interlace that fills Armenian stone carving.
• One roundel, all of it: the star reaches the rope rim, so the lid reads as a single wheel of pattern between the scrolls.
• Cups on the rails: every trough ends in a round hollow that keeps the dice within reach.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are there rows of stars? No — the old copy described rows of eight-pointed stars edge to edge, but the lid carries one large interlaced star in a roundel. There is no bag and no clasps: the old copy listed both, but the five photos show the board only with two hinges, 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 knotwork and the cross-hatched ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces 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.