Armenian Interlace Carved Backgammon Set in Walnut

Armenian Interlace Carved Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

Knotwork runs unbroken round the edge, a disc of interlaced vines closes on a swirling flower boss at the centre, and basket weave fills the two panels beside it: both outer faces of this carved Armenian backgammon set are worked corner to corner in dark walnut, with a palmette fanning out of every corner. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

This is the ornament of medieval Armenian stonework carried into wood — the plaited border, the stepped frames round the weave, the vine tendrils looping through one another in the roundel — and the wooden backgammon board carries it identically on the lid and the base. Inside, the walnut field is plainer, with incised lattice points, a ringed disc in each half, carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in every corner for the dice.

Brass hinges and a clasp at each side keep it shut for the shelf; a set of dark and pale wooden checkers and a pair of dice ride inside it.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood in a dark finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: knotwork border, corner palmettes, two basket-weave panels in stepped frames and a central disc of interlaced vines round a flower boss on both outer faces; incised lattice points and ringed discs inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding walnut backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Stonework in wood: plaited border, vine roundel and basket weave in the Armenian manner.
• No plain side: lid and base carry the same relief edge to edge.
• Dark walnut: deep cuts read as shadow against the polished high points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the interlace carved? Yes — the vines in the roundel pass over and under one another in real relief, the basket weave is cut strand by strand and the border is plaited in the wood; the ground between them is stippled. Inside, the points and discs are incised lines rather than print.

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? Dust the carving with a soft brush and wipe the flat walnut 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.