Luxury Acanthus Star Backgammon Set Carved in Walnut

Luxury Acanthus Star Backgammon Set Carved in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

Eight acanthus leaves radiate from the centre of a beaded ring on each face of this luxury backgammon set, a leafy star with smaller scrolls turning between its arms, and more acanthus curls across the lattice ground on either side out to a shaped, dotted edge. Carved in relief in walnut, 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

This is the wooden backgammon set that repeats itself on purpose: both outer faces carry the same star and scrolls, so it looks finished from whichever side it lies. The leaves are cut with a rib and a curled tip, the ring is strung with beads, the ground is scored as fine lattice, and the outline dips and swells round the whole board. Brass clasps hold it shut.

Open, the walnut is left plain: points scored as narrow triangles with a small roundel at each tip, a many-petalled flower drawn at the centre of each half, long troughs in the rails and a row of roundels along each end.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, oiled finish, with the figure of the grain showing inside
• Carving: star of eight acanthus leaves in a beaded ring, acanthus scrolls on a lattice ground, dotted band on a shaped outline, the same on both faces; scored points, a flower in each half and roundels inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark; pair of dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved walnut backgammon board with a shaped outline
• 32 wooden checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A star made of leaves: eight acanthus fronds meeting at the centre of a beaded ring.
• Finished both sides: the same carving on each outer face, no plain back.
• Walnut inside: figured wood, scored points and a flower in each half.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? It is — the leaves, scrolls and beads are relief left standing when the walnut round them was cut back and scored, on both faces, and the field inside is scored into the wood rather than printed on it. No pressing, no applied parts.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Dust the carving with a soft brush, wipe the flat wood with a dry cloth and store it closed.

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