Garni Temple Backgammon Set with Handle

Garni Temple Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

The Garni Temple stands on its stepped podium in the rope-bordered roundel of this Armenian backgammon set — pediment, columned front and a paved forecourt all carved in relief on a stippled ground, with lobed panels on each side and a diamond lattice across the rest of the lid. Both halves carry a cut-out carry handle in the top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Closed and turned over, the lid shows a chequered panel: pale and dark squares inlaid flush, a carved whorl spinning in the lobed panel at each end.

Open it and each half shows a pale inlaid map of Armenia with its provinces lettered in Armenian, one facing each player, between fleur-tipped inlaid points. Side grips and brass-toned hinges; 32 wooden checkers and dice are included.

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: Garni Temple with pediment, columns, stepped podium and paved forecourt in a rope-bordered roundel, lobed stippled panels and diamond lattice; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip in 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
• 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

• Column by column: the temple front is carved in relief with its steps and paved court, not stamped.
• Two maps inside: Armenia inlaid in pale wood in each half, provinces lettered, one facing each seat.
• Grip on both halves: a cut-out handle in each lid, so the board carries closed either way up.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the scrollwork? There is none — the old title said scrollwork, but the temple sits inside a rope border between stippled lobed panels and a diamond lattice. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here. Relief carving on the lid, pale wood inlays inside.

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 away from direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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