Etchmiadzin Cathedral Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle

Etchmiadzin Cathedral Walnut Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

The walled compound of Etchmiadzin Cathedral — domes, gabled porches, the gateway and the paved court in front — is carved in relief across the oval of this walnut Armenian backgammon set, with a bunch of grapes on a leafy vine to the left and a pomegranate on a leafy stem to the right. The walnut is left its natural pale honey colour and a cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

On the back of the wooden backgammon board a chequered panel runs down the middle, each second square holding a tiny cut flower, and a fan-tailed scroll spreads in the panel to either side.

Inside, a map of Armenia is incised into each half with its provinces lettered in Armenian — historic Armenia in one, the Republic with Artsakh in the other — between incised teardrop points, with cut-out grips in the side rails and a dice recess at each corner. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice are included.

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: Etchmiadzin Cathedral compound in an oval with grapes and a pomegranate beside it; chequered panel with flower squares between fan scrolls on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised teardrop points and two incised maps of Armenia lettered in Armenian; side grips and 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, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• The whole compound, not one church: walls, gateway, domes and porches are all in the oval.
• Natural walnut: no stain, so the cathedral reads in shadow and grain rather than colour.
• Maps under the checkers: historic Armenia and today's Republic incised inside, every province named.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the walnut dark? No — it is pale, honey-toned walnut with a natural finish, not the dark chocolate colour of stained boards. The cathedral, vine and pomegranate are relief carving over a stippled ground; the maps and points inside are incised lines, not inlays.

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? Brush the carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces 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.