Knot Flower and Interlaced Cross Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle

Knot Flower and Interlaced Cross Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A knot flower of interlaced petals fills the roundel on one face of this carved Armenian backgammon set and a four-armed interlaced cross with leaf tips fills the roundel on the other, each flanked by a small bronze filigree disc, with diamond lattice cut over the rest of the lid and a cut-out carry handle in the top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

Both roundels are ringed with a stitched rope border over a stippled ground, and the handle cut-out of the wooden backgammon board runs through both halves. Inside, the dark-stained field is inlaid with points in two pale tones and a pale interlaced roundel in each half, with carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

It closes with a clasp at each side on brass hinges; the two-colour wooden checkers and dice come in the case.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood in a dark stained finish, with pale inlaid points inside; bronze filigree discs, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: knot-flower roundel on one face, interlaced cross roundel on the other, four small bronze filigree discs, diamond lattice ground; pale inlaid points and interlaced roundels inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge and both side rails
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Two knots: a flower of interlaced petals on one face, an interlaced cross on the other.
• Bronze on the flanks: bronze filigree discs set into the roundels either side.
• Carry it by the lid: a cut-out handle runs through both halves.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the ornament carved? Yes — the petals and the arms of the cross pass over and under each other in real relief inside stitched rings, and the lattice is cut line by line. The four small discs are bronze filigree inlays; the points and roundels inside are pale wood let into the dark field.

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 and lattice with a soft brush and wipe the flat wood 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.