Leaf Scroll Disc Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia
A great disc of curling leaves radiates from a flower centre in the middle of this carved backgammon set, ring after ring of scrolls cut in relief, with a smooth lobed panel on either side holding two small whorls and a knot roundel, and a dense border of leafy scrolls running round the edge. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.
The wooden backgammon board's second face has the same scroll border and whorl panels around an inlaid chequered panel whose pale squares each carry a small four-petal cut.
Open, the halves are inlaid in pale wood — fleur-tipped points and an interlaced eight-lobed roundel in each — with side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are included.
Specifications
- Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
- Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
- Material: beech wood, warm brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
- Carving: leaf-scroll disc with flower centre, lobed panels with whorls and knot roundels, leafy scroll border; inlaid chequered panel with four-petal cuts between whorl panels on the other face
- Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
- Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
- Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an interlaced eight-lobed 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, beech and walnut
- Dice
Why You'll Love It
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Rings within rings: the central disc is built of concentric scrolls, each leaf cut on its own curve.
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Rest for the eye: the smooth lobed panels beside the disc let the carving breathe instead of covering every inch.
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Cut squares on the back: each pale square of the chequered panel carries its own small four-petal cut.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is it carved edge to edge? Not quite — the old listing said not one square centimetre was left plain, but the lobed panels beside the central disc are smooth wood apart from their small whorls and knots; the density is in the disc and the border. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.
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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces 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.