Armenian Knotwork Disc Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls

Armenian Knotwork Disc Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

Plaited bands fill the whole roundel of this Armenian backgammon set — a dense disc of interlaced knotwork over and under itself round a flower boss, cut in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope rim, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and corner triangles on the straight-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

On the reverse the decoration changes register: a panel of pale and dark squares is inlaid flush across the middle, and the leaf-and-grape scrolls return in carving beyond each end of it.

Inside is quieter than out. Each half is cut with arrow-tipped points top and bottom and a ringed flower of looped petals between them; the bar edges are scalloped; the outer rails are hollowed as troughs with a round cup at both ends for the dice. The halves swing on two ornate brass-toned hinges. No grip is cut. 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 dense disc of interlaced knotwork 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 straight-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 looped-petal 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

• Braid, edge to edge: the knotwork runs right to the rope rim with no plain ground inside the roundel — the densest interlace in the range.
• Straight lid, round pattern: rectangular edges and corner triangles give the round disc a frame to sit in.
• Cups on the rails: every trough ends in a round hollow that keeps the dice within reach.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What is the ornament? A single disc of interlaced knotwork — plaited bands passing over and under each other round a flower boss — the interlace seen on Armenian carved stone. 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.