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.
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
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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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.
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Straight lid, round pattern: rectangular edges and corner triangles give the round disc a frame to sit in.
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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. The board closes on two hinges with no clasps and comes with checkers, a dice set and a carrying bag.
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.
