Six-Arm Leaf Star Backgammon Set with Scrolls

Six-Arm Leaf Star Backgammon Set with Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

Six leaf arms, each curled round a round hollow, spread from a whirled boss at the heart of this carved backgammon set — one star, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and corner triangles on the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Flip the shut board and the carving continues — a leaf-and-grape cartouche at each end of the underside, and between them a flush inlaid panel where pale squares alternate with dark.

Inside, a flower of looped petals is incised in a ring at the centre of each half, the points are incised as slim drops with round tips, the bar edges are scalloped, and a checker trough with a round cup at the end runs along each outer rail. Two plain brass-toned hinges, no cut-out grip. The five photos show the board alone.

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 inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a six-armed leaf star with a round hollow in each arm round a whirled boss, in a rope-rimmed roundel on a cross-hatched ground, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles on a wavy-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points with round tips, scalloped bar edges and an incised looped-petal flower in a ring in each half; rail troughs with round cups
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• One star, six arms: the eight-arm version exists in the range; this is the sparer six, with more stippled ground showing between the leaves.
• Hollows in the leaves: each arm is pierced-looking, a round scoop cut into the leaf, so the star reads as lace from a distance.
• Whirl at the centre: the boss is a spiral of curved segments, a small turn in an otherwise still figure.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are there several ornaments of different sizes? No — the old copy described scattered ornaments, but the lid carries a single six-armed star in one roundel. There is no bag and no clasps: the old copy listed both, but the five photos show the board only with two plain hinges, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 leaf arms and the cross-hatched ground 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.

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