Braided-Band Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles

Braided-Band Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia

A two-strand braid runs right round the field of this chess and backgammon set, ending in scrolls beside a fluted carry handle at each end — a dark-stained 50 × 50 cm / 19.6″ × 19.6″ folding board with a waved edge, chess outside and a line-work backgammon field inside, handmade in Armenia, with pieces, checkers, dice and a bag.

The braid on this wooden chess set is carved in relief, two strands crossing over a bead at every turn, inside a punched outer band and a stippled cartouche beside each handle; the edge waves in and out along all four sides. The squares are inlaid pale and brown wood, wide enough for a full-height king, with the coordinates cut into the border.

Open it the other way for the second game — points cut in line work with a dot at each tip, a six-petal wheel in the middle of each half, scalloped rails along the ends — with troughs for the checkers and dice. The pieces are turned in pale and red-brown wood; the two handles line up when the board is shut so it carries like a case.

Specifications

• Size: 50 × 50 cm / 19.6″ × 19.6″
• Material: beech wood in a dark brown stain, with inlaid pale and brown squares
• Carving: two-strand braid with scroll ends round the field, punched outer band, stippled cartouche at each end, waved edge, fluted cut-out handle at each end, cut-in coordinates; line-work points and a six-petal wheel in each half inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces, pale and red-brown; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 25 × 50 cm / 9.8″ × 19.6″
• Carry handle: fluted cut-out at each end
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 red-brown
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Room to play: a big field with squares wide enough for a full-height king.
• Braided all round: the two-strand braid runs unbroken along all four sides and scrolls off beside the handles.
• Two games, one case: chess on the lid, nardi with checkers and dice inside, a handle at each end.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? The braid is carved in relief with a bead at every crossing, the outer band is punched, the cartouches are stippled by hand, the handles are cut through the frame with a fluted grip, the squares are inlaid, and the points and wheels inside are cut in line work. Nothing is printed.

What about shipping and returns? Tracked shipping is free to the US, Canada, Europe, the UK and the Middle East; other destinations have a $100 flat rate. See our shipping policy for delivery estimates and customs information, and our 30-day returns policy for eligibility and exclusions.

How do I look after it? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

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

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