Pomegranate and Grapevine Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles

Pomegranate and Grapevine Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia

A pomegranate rests among long carved leaves at each end of this chess and backgammon set, with a grape bunch hanging from the vine at every corner and a fluted carry handle cut through each end rail. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia, dark-finished wood with turned pieces, checkers, dice and a bag.

Every piece of the frame on this wooden chess set is worked: the pomegranates carry their crown, the leaves are veined and layered, the grapes stand out as full round berries, all on a hand-stippled ground inside a waved, scalloped edge. The squares are inlaid pale and brown wood, ringed by brass coordinate discs, and the handle grip at each end is fluted like a twisted cord.

Open the clasps and the board folds out to backgammon, the points cut in line work with arrow tips, a grape bunch drawn on one half and a split pomegranate on the other, with troughs for the checkers. The chess pieces are turned wood in pale and dark-stained finishes, the kings topped with a contrasting finial.

Specifications

• Size: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Material: walnut wood in a dark brown finish, with inlaid pale and brown squares and brass coordinate discs
• Carving: pomegranate among long leaves at each end, grape bunch with vine leaf and tendrils at each corner, stippled ground, waved scalloped edge, fluted cut-out handle at each end; line-work points, a grape bunch and a pomegranate inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces, pale and dark-stained, kings with a contrasting finial; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″
• Carry handle: fluted cut-out at each end
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, pale and dark-stained
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Fruit at full size: the pomegranates and grapes are carved large and round, deep enough to cast their own shadow.
• A handle at each end: both grips are fluted like a cord, so the board lifts from either side.
• Two games inside one frame: chess on the lid, nardi with checkers and dice underneath, brass clasps holding it shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? The fruit, leaves and vines are carved in relief on a hand-stippled ground, the scalloped edge is shaped by hand, the handles are cut through the frame with a fluted grip, the coordinates are brass discs, and the points and fruit inside are cut in line work. 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.