Incised Eternity Sign Armenian Backgammon Set with Lattice Oval

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

Drawn in line rather than raised, the eternity sign on this Armenian backgammon set is a fan of curved cuts spinning out from the centre of a sunk, rope-rimmed roundel, and round it an oval of diamond lattice fills the lid, with an oval grip through the wavy top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The chequered side is carved into the same wood: a grid whose alternate squares carry tiny punched flowers, with a cartouche of stippled grapes and curling leaves carved to either side, the grip above and two small brass-toned clasps at the front.

Open, the playing side is bare beech under a dark stain — drop-shaped points incised into each half with a small ring at each tip, no central motif — with scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two ornamental 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, brass-toned hinges and clasps; no pale wood inlay on this board
• Carving: Armenian eternity sign in curved incised lines inside a sunk rope-rimmed roundel, set in an oval of diamond lattice with a dashed border and stippled corners on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking a carved chequered grid with punched squares on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised ring-tipped drop-shaped points, plain field with no central motif; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two ornamental 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

• Quiet lid: the sign is cut in line inside a sunk disc, so the lattice does the work and nothing stands proud to chip.
• One colour throughout: lid, reverse and playing side are all the same stained beech; the chequered squares are punched, not inlaid.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is it a knot? The old title said eternity knot; there is no interlace on the board — the sign is the Armenian eternity whorl, drawn in curved incised lines. The six 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 incised sign and the punched squares 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.