Coat of Arms and Grapevine Armenian Backgammon Set in Walnut

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

In a scrolled cartouche at the centre of this carved walnut Armenian backgammon set, the eagle and lion of the coat of arms hold the shield of Ararat, with grape bunches and broad vine leaves filling the lid on either side and a cut-out carry handle running through the top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The grapes are cut almost in the round and the leaves lie over a finely stippled ground, so the wooden backgammon board shows real depth in raking light. The other outer face carries a chequered panel, each alternate square stamped with a small flower, between two panels of leaf scrollwork.

Inside, the arms of Armenia are incised again in fine line in each half of the pale walnut, with incised points tipped with arrows, a rope-carved handle bar at each side and a dice recess in every corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are supplied.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, natural finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: coat of arms of Armenia in a scrolled cartouche with grapes and vine leaves either side; flower-stamped chequered panel between leaf scrolls on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip with a rope-carved bar through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised points with arrow tips and the coat of arms drawn in each half; corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The arms in full: eagle, lion, shield, sword, quill, wheat and chain, all cut into the walnut.
• Grapes you can count: each bunch carved berry by berry, the leaves veined.
• Arms inside too: incised in each half of the board, so the emblem is there when you play.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How deep is the carving? The grapes and the eagle's wings stand well clear of the stippled ground and the vine leaves overlap in layers; the cartouche scrolls are cut as deep. Inside, the arms and the points are incised lines in the walnut, not raised.

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 relief with a soft dry 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.