Carved Hearts Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia
A lattice-filled heart is carved into each corner of this chess and backgammon set, with acanthus scrolls running between them round the whole frame and a carry handle cut through each end. 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open, handmade in Armenia from beech and stained dark, with pieces, checkers, dice and a bag.
This wooden chess set has a carved heart at every corner, cut deep with a diamond lattice inside each one, and the scrolls between them standing off a stippled ground. The squares are inlaid pale and dark with the coordinates carved beside them, the outline waves in scallops, and the 32 pieces are turned in two woods with carved knights.
Inside, the backgammon field has pale points and a carved sun wheel in each half, with a checker trough down both sides and lifting slots in the rails. Chess on top for the slow evenings, nardi inside for the quick ones, and a handle at each end for the trip between.
Specifications
- Size: 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open
- Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with inlaid pale and brown squares
- Carving: lattice-filled heart at each corner, acanthus scrolls on a stippled ground round the frame, waved edge, carved coordinates; inlaid points and a sun wheel in each half inside
- Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
- Folded: 11.8 × 23.6 in (30 × 60 cm)
- Carry handle: cut through each end, with lifting slots in the side 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
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Four hearts, carved deep: one at every corner, each filled with a fine lattice.
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Scrolls between them: acanthus running the whole frame on a stippled ground.
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Two games, two handles: chess outside, nardi inside, a grip cut through each end.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is the carving real? Yes. The hearts, the lattice inside them and the scrolls are cut into the dark-stained beech in relief with the ground stippled by hand; the handles are cut through the frame, and the squares and the points inside are inlaid. 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.
