Four-Leaf Knot Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle, 3 Sizes — Handmade in Armenia
Four leaves and four loops woven into one knot fill the rope-bordered roundel of this Armenian backgammon set, the strands passing over and under each other in deep relief on a stippled ground, with a diamond lattice covering the lid around it. A smaller interlaced knot in brass 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.
On the other face of the wooden backgammon board the two brass knots sit either side of a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares, the lattice running out to the scalloped edge.
Open, each half shows an interlaced roundel and arrow-tipped points inlaid in pale wood, with a rail along each edge to hold the checkers when the board is shut. Thirty-two turned wooden checkers, pale and dark, and a pair of dice are included.
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, brass emblems, brass clasps
- Carving: four-leaf interlaced knot in a rope-bordered roundel with two brass knot emblems on a diamond lattice ground; inlaid chequered panel between two brass emblems on the other face
- Checkers: 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark; dice
- Emblems: four brass interlaced knots, 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 interlaced pale-wood roundel 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
- Carrying bag
Why You'll Love It
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A knot with leaves: four leaves grow out of the loops, so the central roundel reads as plant and pattern at once.
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Knots in brass: four cast interlaced knots set into recessed roundels, two on each outer face.
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Three sizes: 40 cm for travel, 50 for the shelf, 60 for the table — choose above.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is the metalwork bronze? Brass — yellow metal castings of an interlaced knot, set into recessed roundels on both outer faces. The central knot is carved beech; the roundel inside is pale wood inlay. The photos show the 60 cm board.
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.
