Armenian Petal Star Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia
Tier on tier of pointed petals overlap outward from a centre boss on this Armenian backgammon set — a many-petalled star in relief, on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side, rope border, wavy-edged lid. A cut-out carry handle passes through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.
Turn it shut and over and the lid's scrolls are echoed by two carved cartouches, a flush inlay of pale and dark squares between them and the second grip above.
The open board in the photos has arrow-tipped points, a sunburst flower in a scrolled ring in each half, a trough along each outer rail beside the grip and brass-toned hinges, with pale and dark wooden checkers and a dice set laid on it.
Specifications
- Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
- Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
- Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
- Carving: a star of overlapping pointed petals in tiers round a centre boss, in relief in a rope-rimmed roundel on a cross-hatched ground, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles on a wavy-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
- Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark, grooved faces; two dice
- Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
- Inside: incised arrow-tipped points and an incised sunburst flower in a scrolled ring in each half; checker trough along each outer rail
- Hardware: brass-toned hinges with an ornate one at the centre of the spine
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
- 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark
- Two dice
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
-
Petals in tiers: three rings of pointed petals overlap outward, so the star reads as a flower from a distance and as interlace up close.
-
No picture to explain: pattern only — a lid that suits any room, in the ornament Armenian carvers have used for centuries.
-
Carried by its edge: a grip is cut through each half, so the closed board lifts without a strap.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Do the vines run out to the border? Not quite: the flower sits in a roundel with the usual leaf scrolls either side and plain wood between. Checkers, a dice set and a carrying bag are included.
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 petals and the cross-hatched ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.
Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.
