Etchmiadzin Cathedral Backgammon Set with Handle

Etchmiadzin Cathedral Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Behind a stone wall with arched gates, the domes and belfry of Etchmiadzin Cathedral rise in the vine-framed oval of this Armenian backgammon set, the name ԷՋՄԻԱԾԻՆ carved in the paving below, a bunch of grapes with its leaf to the left and a split pomegranate to the right, all on a diamond-lattice lid. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Turn it over and the carved backgammon set shows a chequered panel with a small four-petal cut in every pale square, a vine leaf carved in a cartouche at each end.

Under the lid each player gets a map: Armenia with Artsakh inlaid in pale wood at the centre of each half, every province lettered in Armenian, with fleur-tipped inlaid points above and below it, grips in the rails, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice come with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: Etchmiadzin Cathedral behind its wall with the name ԷՋՄԻԱԾԻՆ in a vine-framed oval, grapes and a pomegranate at the sides, diamond lattice; chequered panel with four-petal cuts between vine-leaf cartouches 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: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid map of Armenia with lettered provinces in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Stone by stone: the wall, gates and domes are cut course by course, with the cathedral's name carved beneath.
• Fruit at the sides: grapes on one side of the oval and a pomegranate on the other, the vine framing both.
• Maps for both players: Armenia inlaid in pale wood in each half, provinces lettered, facing its seat.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What is written under the cathedral? ԷՋՄԻԱԾԻՆ — Etchmiadzin, carved into the paving in Armenian capitals. The frame is a vine oval with fruit at the sides rather than scrollwork, and the ground round it is a diamond lattice. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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 faces 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.