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. 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) 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

• Open size: 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm)
• 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 size: 11.8 × 23.6 in (30 × 60 cm)
• 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? Tracked shipping is free to the US, Canada, Europe, the UK and the Middle East; other destinations have a $100 flat rate. See our shipping policy for delivery estimates and customs information, and our 30-day returns policy for eligibility and exclusions.

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.

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