Interlaced Leaf Cross and Metal Discs Armenian Backgammon Set

Interlaced Leaf Cross and Metal Discs Armenian Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Four loops of a single band cross and recross at the centre of this carved Armenian backgammon set, sprouting a leaf at every turn so the knot reads as a cross of foliage in its beaded roundel, with a cast-metal filigree disc in a smaller roundel at each end, lattice across the lid and a cut-out carry handle. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The knot is cut deep enough that the band visibly passes over and under itself, and the leaves curl clear of the stippled ground; the two discs are silver-toned open interlace. On the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board the same two discs flank a chequered panel of pale and dark squares.

Open, the halves are dark stained with pale inlaid points and arrow tips, a pale interlaced star roundel in each half, rope-carved handle bars at the sides and a dice recess in every corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice come with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained with pale wood inlays, cast-metal emblems, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced leaf cross in a beaded roundel, two cast-metal filigree discs, lattice ground; chequered panel between the same discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip with a rope-carved bar through the top edge of both halves
• Emblems: two silver-toned cast-metal filigree discs on each outer face
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced star roundel in each half; corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle and four metal discs
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• The knot: one band, four loops, leaves at every turn — a cross you can trace.
• Metal at the ends: four open filigree discs, two on each outer face.
• Lattice all over: the lid is cut in a diamond mesh right up to the roundels.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the discs bronze? No — the four filigree discs are cast metal with a silver-coloured finish, let into carved roundels. The leaf cross is carved wood in relief; the stars and points inside are pale wood set into the dark beech.

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 knot and lattice with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces and metal discs 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.