Knotwork Star Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals

Knotwork Star Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals — Handmade in Armenia

A star of interlaced bands — pointed petals woven over and under each other round a small central flower — fills the rope-rimmed roundel of this wooden backgammon set, cut deep enough to look pierced, with a diamond-lattice oval on either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, straight-edged, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse repeats the lattice ovals round a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares, so the board plays draughts or checkers closed and backgammon open.

Inside, everything is inlaid: fleur-tipped points in two tones of pale wood and a roundel of interlaced scrolls round a flower in each half, with round dice recesses in the rails, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges on brass-toned hinges. 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 inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: an interlaced knotwork star round a central flower in a rope-rimmed roundel, a diamond-lattice oval on either side, rope border and stippled corner triangles; an inlaid chequered panel between lattice ovals on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: inlaid two-tone points with fleur tips and an inlaid scroll roundel in each half; round dice recesses, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges
• Edges: straight, no cut-out grip
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Pattern, not a picture: no animal, no emblem — the whole lid is geometry, a woven star between two lattice nets.
• Inlaid playing side: two-tone points and a scroll roundel in each half instead of plain incised lines.
• Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the knotwork actually pierced through? No — it is carved in deep relief so the bands stand clear of the ground, which gives the lace-like effect the old title described, but the lid is solid. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the five photos show the board only, 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 lattice with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces and inlays 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.