Interlaced Disc and Knot Border Walnut Backgammon Set

Interlaced Disc and Knot Border Walnut Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

A disc of interlaced leaves and knots, its strands weaving out from a central star, sits in the middle of this walnut Armenian backgammon set, cut shallow into the bare wood so the streaked grain runs straight through it. A border of interlaced knot bands and leaf scrolls frames the lid, with the plain walnut left open between border and disc. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The same knot-and-scroll border runs round the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board, where a chequered panel with a small knot cut into every second square takes the place of the disc.

Inside, the points are incised with arrow tips, an incised foliate roundel sits at the centre of each half, an arcade runs along the far edge and a dice recess is cut into each 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 with light and dark streaks, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced foliate disc with a border of knot bands and leaf scrolls; chequered panel with knot squares inside the same border on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Inside: incised arrow-tipped points and a foliate roundel in each half; arcaded far edge and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding walnut backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Grain through the carving: the disc is cut shallow, so the walnut's dark streaks show across it.
• A border that never breaks: knot bands and leaf scrolls run right round both outer faces.
• Plain wood on purpose: the space between border and disc is left bare, so the pattern breathes.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the grapevine? There is none — the old title promised grapevine ornament, but every photo shows an interlaced foliate disc with a knot-and-scroll border and no grapes or vines anywhere. We have renamed the board to match. There is no cut-out grip; it closes on two side clasps and is carried like a case.

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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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