Mount Ararat Valley Backgammon Set with Handle

Mount Ararat Valley Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Mount Ararat rises behind poplars, ploughed fields and a small domed church in the rope-bordered roundel of this Armenian backgammon set, the two snow caps left in pale wood while the valley is carved in relief over a stippled ground, flanked by lobed panels and a diamond lattice. A cut-out carry handle sits in the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The other face carries an inlaid chequered panel in pale and dark squares, a carved whorl disc set into the lobed panel on either side of it.

Inside, the points are inlaid in pale wood with fleur tips, and each half holds an oval reading ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ under Ararat's two peaks, with grapes and a pomegranate. Side grips are cut into the rails and 32 wooden checkers with dice come with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: Mount Ararat with poplars, ploughed fields and a small church in a rope-bordered roundel, lobed stippled panels and diamond lattice; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip in the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips; an inlaid ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ oval with Ararat peaks, grapes and a pomegranate in each half; side grips and a scroll border along the near edge
• 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, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• A whole valley in one roundel: mountain, poplars, furrowed fields and a church, carved in layers of relief.
• Pale snow caps: the two summits are left in bare pale wood so they read from across the room.
• Armenia written inside: each half carries an inlaid ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ oval with Ararat, grapes and a pomegranate facing its player.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the frame scrollwork? No — the old listing called it scrollwork, but the roundel is edged with a rope border and sits between stippled lobed panels and a diamond lattice; there is no scroll carving on the lid. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here. Relief carving with pale wood inlays inside.

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 faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board away from direct sun and radiators and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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