Star and Meander Disc Backgammon Set

Star and Meander Disc Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Twelve petal-shaped points radiate from a Greek-key ring on the pale inlaid disc at the centre of this Armenian backgammon set, the whole star drawn in fine line and closed by a second meander band at the rim, with a diamond lattice and stippled lobed panels carved across the rest of the lid inside a rope border. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The carved backgammon set's other face is for the shelf: pale and dark squares inlaid flush as a chequered panel, a whorl disc cut into the lattice on either side.

Open it and each half carries pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid interlaced eight-lobed roundel, with cut-out grips in the rails, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, mid-brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Decoration: twelve-point star and Greek-key rings drawn on a pale inlaid disc, diamond lattice and stippled lobed panels carved on the lid; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an interlaced eight-lobed roundel in each half; cut-out grips in the rails and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Fine as a coin die: the star, its filigree petals and both meander rings are drawn in hairline detail on the pale disc.
• One bright disc: the lattice and lobed panels stay dark, so the inlaid star is the only light surface on the lid.
• Roundels inside: an interlaced eight-lobed disc in pale wood beside the points in each half.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the running scroll? There isn't one — the old listing described a leaf-and-tendril scroll running round the edge, but the lid carries a pale inlaid disc with a twelve-point star and Greek-key rings, framed by lattice and a rope border. There is no cut-out top grip; the board lifts by the grips in its rails. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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? Wipe the inlaid faces with a dry cloth and brush the lattice with a soft dry brush. 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.