Grapevine Chess and Backgammon Set with Pomegranates Inside

Grapevine Chess and Backgammon Set with Pomegranates Inside — Handmade in Armenia

Grapes, vine leaves and tendrils cover the frame of this chess and backgammon set, carved deep round a carry handle at each end; inside, a pomegranate and a bunch of grapes are inlaid in pale wood among the points. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″, handmade in Armenia from dark-stained beech, with pieces, checkers, dice and a bag.

This is the wooden chess set where nothing is left plain. Every pale square carries a carved four-loop knot, so the field has texture under the pieces; the dark squares are flat and the coordinates are cut beside them. The vine outside is one continuous growth — bunches in full relief, broad leaves, tendrils curling into the corners on a stippled ground — out to an edge that waves in scallops.

Inside is the backgammon field: pale points tipped with a fleur-de-lis, a whole and a split pomegranate inlaid in one half, a grape bunch with its leaves in the other, the handles showing as lifting slots in the end rails. The 32 pieces are turned in pale wood and dark; the board folds in half on bronze hinges and clasps.

Specifications

• Size: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with inlaid pale squares each carved with a knot
• Carving: grape bunches, vine leaves and tendrils in relief round the whole frame on a stippled ground, four-loop knot in every pale square, waved edge, carved coordinates; inlaid points, pomegranates in one half and a grape bunch in the other 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 end rails inside
• 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 and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• The whole vine, not a sprig: bunches, leaves and tendrils in deep relief round every side of the frame.
• Carved squares: a knot cut into each pale square, so the board is worked right to the middle.
• Fruit inside too: pomegranates in one half of the backgammon field, grapes in the other, inlaid in pale wood.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. The grapes, leaves and tendrils are carved into the dark-stained beech in relief with the ground stippled by hand, the knots are cut into the pale squares, the handles are cut through the frame, and the points, pomegranates and grapes inside are inlaid wood. Nothing is 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. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

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