Scroll Wheel and Whorls Backgammon Set

Scroll Wheel and Whorls Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Leaves spiral outward in three rings from the flower at the centre of this Armenian backgammon set, a carved wheel of scrolls a hand-span wide, flanked by two smooth lobed panels that each hold a pair of small whorls and a knot roundel, all inside a border of leafy scrollwork that runs round the four edges of the lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The back of the carved backgammon set repeats the border and the whorl panels round an inlaid chequered panel, a small four-petal flower cut into every pale square.

The playing side keeps to pale-on-dark: each half has a set of fleur-tipped points and an interlaced eight-lobed disc let into the wood, the rails are cut with long grips and a round dice recess sits in every corner. Brass-toned hinges; 32 beech and walnut checkers and dice included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, warm brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: wheel of leaf scrolls with a flower centre, lobed panels with whorls and knot roundels, leafy scroll border; inlaid chequered panel with four-petal cuts between whorl panels 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 clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Three rings of leaves: the wheel is built outward from the flower, each ring of scrolls cut on its own curve.
• Quiet panels either side: smooth wood with only whorls and knots, so the wheel and border carry the eye.
• Flowers on every pale square: the chequered back has a small four-petal cut in each light square.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the lid a star-and-cross tessellation? No — the old listing described stars and crosses tiled edge to edge, but the carving is a central wheel of leaf scrolls, two smooth lobed panels with whorls and knots, and a scroll border. There is no cut-out top grip on this board; it 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? Brush the carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces 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.