Braided Plait Travel Chess and Backgammon Set

Braided Plait Travel Chess and Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

A three-strand plait is carved round the frame of this travel chess and backgammon set, looping back on itself at the corners, on a straight-edged board with chess outside and backgammon inside. 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″ open, handmade in Armenia from beech in a warm brown stain, with pieces, checkers, dice and a bag.

This is the wooden chess set that sits on a shelf like a small carved box. The braid stands up in relief on a stippled ground, every strand scored down its middle so the crossings catch the light, and the corners are turned with a loop rather than a break; a plain moulded lip finishes the outside. The coordinates are carved beside the inlaid squares, and the 32 pieces are turned in pale wood and dark.

Undo the two bronze clasps and the backgammon field is inside, cut in line work — twelve looped points in each half and an eight-petal flower wheel in the centre of each — with the checkers and dice already there. Small enough to go in a rucksack, complete enough for a whole evening of either game.

Specifications

• Size: 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood in a warm brown stain, with inlaid pale and brown squares
• Carving: three-strand plait in relief round the whole frame on a stippled ground, looped corners, moulded straight edge, carved coordinates; line-work points and an eight-petal flower wheel in each half inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 15 × 30 cm / 5.9″ × 11.8″
• Hardware: bronze hinges and two clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A braid, not a border: three grooved strands plaited in relief round all four sides, looping at the corners.
• Backgammon under the lid: a line-work field with an eight-petal flower wheel in each half, checkers and dice included.
• A box when shut: straight-edged and moulded, closing on two clasps and travelling in its bag.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. The plait is carved into the beech in relief with the ground stippled by hand and each strand scored along its length, the coordinates are carved, the squares are inlaid, and the points and flower wheels inside are cut in line work. Nothing is printed.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

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