Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument Backgammon Set with Handle

Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Vakhtang Gorgasali raises his arm from the saddle on this Georgian backgammon set — the Tbilisi monument in pale wood on its plinth, GEORGIA lettered on it, the domed Metekhi Church beside — on a stippled ground in a rope-rimmed roundel between leaf scrolls and a rope border. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Shut, it still plays: the reverse is an inlaid chequerboard of pale and dark squares, a leaf-and-grape cartouche carved at each end and the second handle cut above.

The playing side keeps Georgia in view — the country's outline with its regions and the name საქართველო is incised into the middle of each half, drop-shaped points above and below, grip slots cut in the rails and troughs in the corners, on brass-toned hinges. The five photos show the board alone.

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 and chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: the Vakhtang Gorgasali statue on its pedestal and Metekhi Church in pale wood on a stippled ground in a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope-and-leaf border; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an incised map of Georgia with regions and საქართველო lettering in each half; grip slots and corner troughs
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Tbilisi in one roundel: the horseman on his plinth and the Metekhi dome are the view every visitor to the city knows.
• Pale on dark: statue, pedestal and church are cut in pale wood, so the scene reads from across the room.
• Georgia inside: a named outline map of the country is cut into each half of the playing side.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the building behind him a fortress? No — the old copy said fortress, but it is the domed Metekhi Church that stands beside the monument above the river, and the masonry under the horse is the statue's own pedestal. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the five photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 statue and the stippled ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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