Eight-Pointed Star and Meander Backgammon Set in Walnut

Eight-Pointed Star and Meander Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

A faceted eight-pointed star sits inside a ring of Greek-key meander on the lid of this carved backgammon set, acanthus scrolls pressing in from either side, a small star roundel in each corner and a fine lattice ground behind everything. Walnut, 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, every second square cut with a tiny star, between the same scrolls and corner roundels, with a scalloped edge to the whole case. Inside, the walnut field has lattice points with arrowhead tips and a ringed star in each half incised into the wood, plus carved scalloped rails and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

Hinges and side clasps are brass. The wooden checkers, half dark and half pale, and the dice are supplied with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood in a medium-brown finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: eight-pointed star in a meander ring, acanthus scrolls, corner star roundels and lattice ground on the lid; chequered star panel between scrolls on the other face; incised lattice points and ringed stars inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The star in its ring: faceted points inside a Greek-key meander, scrolls either side.
• A chequered back: tiny stars cut into alternate squares on the other face.
• Lattice everywhere: a fine diamond ground behind the relief on both faces.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the pattern carved? Yes — the star's facets, the meander ring and the acanthus scrolls all stand in relief over a lattice ground cut line by line, and the corner roundels are cut the same way. The stars and points inside are incised into the walnut, 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 with a soft 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.