Deep-Cut Eternity Sign Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle

Deep-Cut Eternity Sign Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Curved blades overlap round the centre like a turning wheel on the lid of this Armenian backgammon set — the arevakhach, the Armenian eternity sign, cut deep enough to throw its own shadows — in a rope-rimmed roundel on a cross-hatched ground with leaf scrolls and an oval grip through the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

On the reverse the chequered grid is carved into the lid itself, alternate squares stamped with tiny punched flowers rather than inlaid, between two carved cartouches of stippled grapes and curling leaves, with the grip above and two small brass-toned clasps at the front.

Inside there is no central motif: drop-shaped points are incised into each half with a small ring at every tip, with scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two ornamental brass-toned hinges down 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 as a deep whorl of overlapping curved blades, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border 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

• Depth: the blades of the sign are cut deep and rounded, so the whorl reads in shadow as well as in line.
• One colour throughout: the chequered side is carved and punched in the same beech, not inlaid in two tones.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Infinity or eternity? The old title said infinity ornament; the carving is the Armenian eternity sign — a whorl of curved blades — not the figure-eight loop. 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 whorl, the scrolls 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.