Armenian Backgammon Set - Holy Saviour of Gyumri

Armenian Backgammon Set - Holy Saviour of Gyumri

Surb Amenaprkich — the Church of the Holy Saviour — stands across the square from Gyumri's other great church, and it is the one with the harder story. The 1988 earthquake took most of it down. Putting it back up took the best part of thirty years, stone by numbered stone. On this handmade Armenian backgammon set it is carved whole, in relief, inside a deep oval frame, with scrollwork around it and a braided border running the full circuit of the lid.

There is something right about carving a rebuilt church into wood by hand. Both are slow work; both are somebody deciding that a thing is worth the years. Open the clasps, let the bronze hinges swing back, and the full 23.6" / 60 cm playing field is underneath — where the stakes are pleasantly low and the rebuilding takes about four minutes. Carry this hand-carved wooden backgammon board in by its cut-out handle and put it on the table; Gyumri would approve of the priorities.

What's Included

• Backgammon board with bronze hinges, clasps and a cut-out carry handle
• 32 checkers made from beech and walnut wood
• A pair of dice and a carrying bag

Specifications

• Folded: 30 x 60 cm / 11.8 x 23.6"
• Open playing field: 60 x 60 cm / 23.6 x 23.6"
• Weight: 5 kg / 11 lb
• Wood: solid beech, with bronze hinges and clasps
• Handmade in Armenia

Why It Stands Out

• The Church of the Holy Saviour of Gyumri carved by hand in relief inside a deep oval frame
• A braided border plaited right around the lid, every crossing matched
• Folds shut on bronze hinges and travels by its own cut-out carry handle
• A handmade Armenian backgammon board carrying one of Gyumri's landmarks

A Gift With Patience In It

For a family from Gyumri, or for anyone who appreciates that some things are worth waiting thirty years for. Set it down, open it, and start something considerably quicker.