Eight-Pointed Star Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle, 3 Sizes

Eight-Pointed Star Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle, 3 Sizes — Handmade in Armenia

A faceted eight-pointed star stands out from the rope-bordered roundel at the centre of this Armenian backgammon set, each point cut as a ridge so the light falls differently on every face, over a stippled ground with a diamond lattice covering the rest of the lid. A polished brass star sits in a recessed roundel at each end and a cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. Three sizes: 40, 50 or 60 cm square (15.7″, 19.6″ or 23.6″), handmade in Armenia.

Reverse the wooden backgammon board and the two brass stars appear again, this time on either side of a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares.

Open the board and a fifth star appears — inlaid in pale wood in the middle of each half, with arrow-tipped points in the same pale wood on both sides and a rail along each edge to hold the checkers when the board folds. Thirty-two turned wooden checkers, pale and dark, and two dice come with it.

Specifications

• Size: three sizes — 40 × 40 cm, 50 × 50 cm or 60 × 60 cm (15.7″, 19.6″ or 23.6″ square) — choose above
• Size folded: 40 × 20 cm, 50 × 25 cm or 60 × 30 cm (15.7″ × 7.9″, 19.6″ × 9.8″ or 23.6″ × 11.8″)
• Material: beech wood, mid-brown stain with pale wood inlays, polished brass emblems, brass clasps
• Carving: faceted eight-pointed star in a rope-bordered roundel with two brass star emblems on a diamond lattice ground; inlaid chequered panel between two brass stars on the other face
• Checkers: 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark; dice
• Emblems: four polished brass eight-pointed stars, two on each outer face
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an inlaid eight-pointed star in each half
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle and four brass emblems
• 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Stars in three materials: carved beech at the centre, polished brass at the sides, pale wood inlay inside.
• Facets that catch light: each of the eight points is ridged, so the star reads from across the room.
• Three sizes: 40 cm for travel, 50 for the shelf, 60 for the table — choose above.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the side stars gold? Polished brass — bright yellow metal castings set into recessed roundels, two on each outer face. The central star is carved beech. The 40 cm board is a travel size; the 60 cm is a full table board; the photos show the 60 cm.

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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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