Pomegranate Travel Chess and Backgammon Set

Pomegranate Travel Chess and Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

A row of carved pomegranates frames the chessboard of this travel chess and backgammon set, each one holding a coordinate — chess outside, backgammon inside. It is 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″, handmade in Armenia from beech and stained walnut brown, with 32 wooden chess pieces, 32 checkers, a dice set and a black carrying bag.

This is the wooden chess set that makes the border part of the game. The pomegranates are round discs with a small crown at the top, carved in relief and set on a dotted ground, and the letters and numbers are cut into the fruit itself, so the coordinates are never lost. The edge is square and moulded, and a bronze clasp holds it shut.

Open it and the backgammon board inside has a split pomegranate in pale wood at the centre of each half, seeds showing, with pale points either side. Checkers in light and dark wood, a dice set and the 32 chess pieces go in the bag. The fruit of plenty, outside and in — the board to give for a wedding, a housewarming or a new baby.

Specifications

• Size: 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, stained walnut brown and varnished
• Carving: pomegranate roundels in relief on a dotted ground with the coordinates cut into them, moulded square edge; split pomegranates and pale points inside
• Pieces: 32 wooden chess pieces in light and dark wood, 32 wooden backgammon checkers, dice set
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 wooden chess pieces in light and dark wood
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers
• Dice set
• Black carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Two games in one: chess on the lid, nardi inside, one small board in the bag.
• Coordinates in the fruit: every letter and number is carved into its own pomegranate — useful, and unlike any other board.
• The fruit of plenty: pomegranates outside and split ones inside — the gift that says good luck without a card.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. The pomegranates and the dotted ground are carved into the beech in relief, the letters and numbers are cut into the discs, and the split fruit and points inside are pale wood against the stain. 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 in its bag.

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