Knotwork Cartouche and Star Roundel Backgammon Set in Walnut

Knotwork Cartouche and Star Roundel Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

Broad bands of interlaced knotwork loop across the lid of this carved walnut backgammon set, framing a central roundel where a many-pointed star of scrolls and leaf sprays is cut over a stippled ground, with a plain panel of pale walnut left open on either side and a cut-out carry handle through the top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The knot bands are the highest relief on the wooden backgammon board and cross over and under each other cleanly at every turn; the open side panels let the walnut's grain show. On the other outer face the same knot cartouche frames a chequered panel with a small knot cut into every alternate square.

The interior is left as clean walnut: the points and their arrow tips are incised lines, a spoked wheel is incised at the centre of each half, the handle bars are rope-carved, the end rails are cut in arches and each corner holds a dice recess. Thirty-two wooden checkers and two dice are supplied.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, natural finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced knot bands framing a star-and-scroll roundel with open walnut side panels; knot-chequered panel in the same frame 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
• Inside: incised points with arrow tips and a spoked wheel in each half; arched end rails, corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The knot bands: wide interlaced strands you can follow over and under across the whole lid.
• The roundel: a star of scrolls and leaf sprays, finely cut inside the knot frame.
• Room for the grain: the side panels are left plain so the walnut shows.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the whole lid carved? Not quite — the knot bands, the roundel and the borders are carved in relief, but the two side panels inside the frame are left as plain walnut on purpose. Inside, the points and wheels are incised lines.

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 knotwork with a soft brush and wipe the flat walnut with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun so the pale walnut stays even, and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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