Interlaced Star in Carved Arches Armenian Backgammon Set

Interlaced Star in Carved Arches Armenian Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Bands woven into a many-pointed star, a small flower at its hub, fill the roundel at the centre of this carved Armenian backgammon set, held between two broad arched bands that sweep in from either end, with lattice cut into the lunettes behind them and a plaited band along the edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The arches stand highest, the star's bands next and the stippled ground lowest, so the lid is carved on three levels and reads well in side light. The other outer face of the wooden backgammon board keeps the arches and lattice round a chequered panel of pale and dark squares, lettered along its edge.

Under the lid the two halves are stained the same dark brown, with light-wood points set in — an arrow at every tip — a light interlaced knot at the centre of each half and a dice recess cut into each corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and two dice are part of the set.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced star with a flower hub in a roundel between arched bands and lattice lunettes, plaited border; lettered chequered panel in the same frame on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced knot roundel in each half; corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The star: one woven band that turns into a star with a flower at its centre.
• Three carving levels: arches over star over ground — depth you can see across the room.
• Inlaid field: pale points and knot roundels set into the dark board.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving open or solid? Solid — the bands of the star are cut in relief over a stippled ground, and the lattice at each end is cut into the surface; nothing is pierced through the lid. Inside, the points and roundels are pale wood set into the dark beech.

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 away from direct sun and radiators and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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