Armenian Coat of Arms and Grapevine Backgammon Set with Handle

Armenian Coat of Arms and Grapevine Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Between an eagle and a lion, the shield of Armenia stands at the centre of this Armenian backgammon set, Mount Ararat at its heart and the sword, broken chain, wheat and ribbon beneath it, all cut in relief over a stippled ground. Grapevines with leaves, clusters and pomegranates fill the lid around the arms, and a cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Closed the other way up, the wooden backgammon board shows a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares with the vine — leaves, grapes and a pomegranate — carved on either side.

Inside, the coat of arms is inlaid in pale wood at the centre of each half, turned to face its player, between pale inlaid points with arrow tips; grips are cut into the side rails and a dice recess sits at each corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained with pale wood inlays, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: Armenian coat of arms with eagle, lion, shield, sword, chain, wheat and ribbon, surrounded by grapevines, clusters and pomegranates; inlaid chequered panel between vines on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an inlaid Armenian coat of arms in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The whole emblem: eagle, lion, the quartered shield with Ararat, and the sword, chain and wheat below it.
• Harvest round the arms: grape clusters and pomegranates hang among the vine leaves on both faces.
• Arms inside as well: the coat of arms inlaid in pale wood in each half, one facing each player.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the shield detailed? Yes — the four quarters of the shield are carved with their own devices and Ararat with the ark sits in the centre, though at this scale they read as texture rather than as separate pictures. The arms outside are relief; the two inside are pale wood inlays.

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 out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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