Armenian Woven Knot Backgammon Set with Handle

Armenian Woven Knot Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Strands cross over and under like cloth on this Armenian backgammon set — a disc of woven interlace in relief, one band above the next at every crossing, on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side, rope border, wavy-edged lid. A cut-out carry handle passes through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The other face keeps the weave out of it: an inlaid chequer of light and dark squares, two carved leaf-and-grape cartouches, and the grip cut again through the top edge.

Inside, arrow-tipped points frame a sunburst flower in a scrolled ring in each half, a checker trough runs along each outer rail beside the grip and brass-toned hinges join the halves; the photos show pale and dark wooden checkers, two dice and a black cloth carrying bag.

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
• Carving: a disc of woven interlace with strands passing over and under, in relief in a rope-rimmed roundel on a cross-hatched ground, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on a wavy-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark, grooved faces; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised arrow-tipped points and an incised sunburst flower in a scrolled ring in each half; checker trough along each outer rail
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges with an ornate one at the centre of the spine
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Two dice
• Black cloth carrying bag with handles

Why You'll Love It

• Weave you can trace: follow any strand and it goes over one neighbour and under the next, all the way round the disc.
• The oldest Armenian pattern: interlace like this fills khachkars and church doorways; here it fills the roundel of a board.
• Handle and bag: a grip is cut through each half, and the set comes with a cloth bag for carrying.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Does the scrollwork reach the border on every side? The leaf scrolls sit either side of the roundel, and a rope border runs round the wavy edge; the corners are plain stained wood. Checkers, dice and bag are as photographed.

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 interlace and the cross-hatched 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.