Braided Disc Backgammon Set with Handle

Braided Disc Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A single carved disc holds the centre of this Armenian backgammon set, ring after ring of interlaced loops closing on a small boss, a broad leaf spray sweeping in from each side on a cross-hatched ground, a rope border round the lid. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm, handmade in Armenia.

There is no emblem, mountain or lettering anywhere on it, only ornament; the reverse carries an inlaid chequered panel between two leaf-scroll cartouches so the closed board is finished both ways up.

Open, the ornament continues in pale inlay: a knotwork roundel of interlaced leaves in each half between fleur-tipped inlaid points, with side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. The pale and dark checkers, four dice and the carrying bag are all photographed.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale inlays inside, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a central disc of interlaced loop rings round a small boss, two broad leaf sprays, cross-hatched ground and a rope border; leaf-scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark; four dice, two black and two white
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid knotwork roundel in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Four dice, two black and two white
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Ornament only: no flag, no portrait, nothing to explain — a board that suits any room.
• Inlay inside: the knotwork roundels in the two halves answer the carved disc on the lid.
• Everything photographed: checkers, dice and the carrying bag all appear in the listing photos.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How many dice come with it? Four are photographed on the open board, two black and two white, so that is what is listed; the old copy said a pair. The 'braid' of the old title is the rope border and the interlaced rings of the disc — there is no plaited band as such.

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 disc and leaf sprays with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside, in the bag.

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