Mount Ararat Armenian Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles

Mount Ararat Armenian Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia

Mount Ararat is carved beside the cut-out carry handle of this Armenian chess and backgammon set, between panels of looping ribbon carving on a scalloped frame — chess outside, nardi inside with a lettered disc in each half, one reading ARMENIA in Armenian. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia from beech.

This is the wooden chess set that carries home with it. The peaks stand in relief on a stippled ground, snow-capped in the pale wood, with small trees either side and a rope border below; the long sides are cut in loops of ribbon on the same ground, and the outer edge is scalloped. A grip is cut through each end, and the coordinates are carved beside the squares.

Open it on the bronze hinges and the backgammon field runs the full length, with a round disc in each half — grapes and pomegranates around Armenian lettering, ARMENIA on one side under a small Ararat. 32 turned wooden pieces, checkers and dice come in the bag.

Specifications

• Size: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with an inlaid field of pale and brown squares
• Carving: Mount Ararat in relief beside the handle, looping ribbon panels down both sides, rope border, scalloped edge, carved coordinates; two lettered discs with grapes and pomegranates inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″
• Carry handle: cut through each end, with lifting slots in the side rails
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers
• Pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Home on the board: Ararat above the field and ARMENIA lettered inside — the set to give an Armenian abroad, or to keep.
• Carved, not routed: loops, peaks, trees and rope all stand off a stippled ground you can feel with a thumb.
• Both games, one grip: chess for the slow hours, nardi when the dice come out, a handle cut into each end.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What does the lettering inside say? Each half of the backgammon field has a round disc in a scroll border. One reads ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ — Armenia, in Armenian script — under a small Mount Ararat with a pomegranate and grapes; the other carries the same fruit around a second Armenian word. Both are cut into the pale wood, not printed.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Dust the carving with a soft brush, wipe the field dry, and keep the pieces, checkers and dice in the bag.

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