Armenian Eternity Sign Backgammon Set with Lattice Oval

Armenian Eternity Sign Backgammon Set with Lattice Oval — Handmade in Armenia

A diamond lattice fills the whole oval of this Armenian backgammon set; in its middle a stippled lobed cartouche holds the eternity sign — a wheel of curved rays in a raised beaded disc — with a small scroll at each end, and an oval grip is cut through the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Underneath, the reverse changes character: two carved grape-and-leaf cartouches stand either side of an inlaid chequered panel in pale and darker squares, the grip is cut below, and two small brass-toned clasps close the front edge.

The playing side is the plainest part — drop-shaped points and a round motif faintly incised into each half, scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners, and two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: Armenian eternity sign in a raised beaded disc on a stippled lobed cartouche with small end scrolls, set in an oval of diamond lattice with a dashed-line frame and stippled corners on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: faintly incised drop-shaped points and a faint round motif in each half; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Texture over relief: the lid is covered in lattice and stipple, so the eternity sign is the one smooth, raised form on it.
• Beaded disc: the sign sits in a raised disc with a beaded rim, lifted clear of the cartouche.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where are the 'ornaments' from the old title? They are the lattice, the stippled cartouche and the two small scrolls at its ends; there is no other figure on the lid. The five photos show the board alone; checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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? Brush the lattice, the stipple and the eternity sign with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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