Sailing Ship Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals — Handmade in Armenia
A three-masted ship under full square sail rides carved waves in the rope-rimmed roundel of this wooden backgammon set, hull heeling, sails bellied out against a stippled ground, with a diamond-lattice oval on either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, straight-edged, handmade in Armenia.
With the clasps shut, the underside offers a game of its own: a panel of pale and dark squares let into the wood, the two lattice ovals either side of it and the rope border running round.
Open, the playing side is inlaid rather than incised: two-tone fleur-tipped points and a roundel of interlaced scrolls round a flower in each half, with round dice recesses in the rails, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges on brass-toned hinges.
Specifications
- Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
- Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
- Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlays, brass-toned hinges
- Carving: a three-masted sailing ship on waves in a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground, a diamond-lattice oval on either side, rope border and stippled corner triangles; an inlaid chequered panel between lattice ovals on the other face
- Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
- Inside: inlaid two-tone points with fleur tips and an inlaid scroll roundel in each half; round dice recesses, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges
- Edges: straight, no cut-out grip
- Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding beech backgammon board
- 32 wooden checkers
- Two dice
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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A whole ship, sea included: hull, three masts, square sails and the swell beneath all fit inside the one roundel.
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Inlaid playing side: two-tone points and a scroll roundel in each half instead of plain incised lines.
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Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Are the rigging and pennants carved? The masts, yards, sails and waves are; at this scale the ship reads as a bold silhouette rather than fine rigging. Checkers, a dice set and a carrying bag are included.
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 sails and the lattice with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces and inlays with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.
Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.
