Armenian Eternity Sign Carved Backgammon Set with Basket Weave

Armenian Eternity Sign Carved Backgammon Set with Basket Weave — Handmade in Armenia

The Armenian eternity sign, a wheel of curved rays spinning out from the centre, fills a large roundel on the lid of this carved Armenian backgammon set, with a basket-weave ground cut across the rest of the face and a carved palmette in each corner. Dark-stained beech, 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

The other outer face of the wooden backgammon board carries a chequered panel of pale and dark squares between two smaller eternity-sign roundels on the same weave. Inside, the dark field is inlaid with pale points tipped with small palmettes and a broad ringed disc in each half, with carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

The checkers are turned wood in two colours and come with a pair of dice; a clasp at each end and brass hinges hold the wheel face out when it is shut.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood in a dark stained finish, with pale inlaid points inside; brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: eternity-sign roundel, basket-weave ground and palmette corners on the lid; chequered panel between two smaller eternity roundels on the other face; pale inlaid palmette-tipped points and ringed discs inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The sign of eternity: curved rays carved in relief, the Armenian wheel of endless motion.
• Weave to the edge: a basket-weave ground cut strand over strand round the roundel.
• Three signs in all: one large on the lid, two small on the other face.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the eternity sign carved? Yes — each curved ray is cut in relief inside its ring, the basket weave is carved strand over strand and the palmettes stand up in the corners. The points and discs inside are pale wood let into the dark field, not print.

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? Dust the relief and weave with a soft brush and wipe the flat wood 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.