Georgian Coat of Arms and Grapevine Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia
Saint George rides across the shield at the heart of this Georgian backgammon set, with a lion rearing on either side, a crown above and the motto ribbon lettered in Georgian below, all carved in relief over a stippled ground. Grapevines with leaves, clusters and pomegranates fill the lid around the arms, 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.
The wooden backgammon board is stained a deep brown. Turned over, it shows a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares with vine leaves and grapes carved in the panels on either side.
Inside, the coat of arms appears twice more, inlaid in pale wood at the centre of each half and facing its player, between pale inlaid points with leaf tips. Cut-out grips are let into the side rails with 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: beech wood, dark stained with pale wood inlays, brass hinges and clasps
- Carving: Georgian coat of arms with Saint George, two lion supporters, crown and motto ribbon, surrounded by grapevines, grape clusters and pomegranates; inlaid chequered panel between vines 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 leaf tips and an inlaid Georgian coat of arms in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
- Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
- 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
- Dice
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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The full arms, not a badge: shield, rider, lions, crown and motto ribbon are all there in relief.
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Harvest round the edges: grape clusters, vine leaves and pomegranates fill every corner of the lid.
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Arms inside as well: the coat of arms inlaid in pale wood in each half, one facing each player.
Good to Know Before You Buy
What is written on the ribbon? The national motto in Georgian script — the same words that run under the shield on the state arms. It is carved on the lid and inlaid on the two smaller arms inside; the letters are small, so read them close up rather than from across the table.
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.
