Mount Ararat Armenian Travel Backgammon Set with Handle

Mount Ararat Armenian Travel Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Ararat's two peaks rise behind a single poplar on the lid of this Armenian travel backgammon set, vineyard furrows fanning out below them and birds in the sky, cut in line and low relief inside a rope-rimmed oval with stippled corners, a grip through the wavy top edge. 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ open, handmade in Armenia.

It is the smallest Ararat in the family and the easiest to take home in a suitcase: the mountain is drawn in a few sure strokes, the furrows run in perspective to the foot of the slopes, and the plain wood between the lines keeps it calm. On the other face an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares sits between two carved fan shells.

Inside, the mountain appears twice more — an incised outline of Ararat in each half between the drop-shaped points — with shallow rests along the end rails, two plain hinges on the spine and the grip cut through both halves. 32 wooden checkers and a dice set come with it, and two small clasps close the front.

Specifications

• Size open: 30 × 30 cm / 11.8″ × 11.8″
• Size folded: 30 × 15 cm / 11.8″ × 5.9″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: Ararat's two peaks with a poplar between them, vineyard furrows and birds in line and low relief inside a rope-rimmed oval with stippled corners on a wavy-edged lid; inlaid chequered panel between two fan shells on the other face; grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; a dice set
• Inside: an incised outline of Ararat in each half; incised drop-shaped points with ring tips; shallow checker rests along the end rails
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech travel backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Dice set

Why You'll Love It

• Ararat three times: on the lid and once in each half inside.
• Truly portable: folds to the size of a paperback and carries by its own grip — the board for the flight home.
• Calm and plain: a few incised lines on open wood, not a crowded carving.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the mountain carved? Yes — the peaks and the poplar are cut in low relief and the furrows, birds and outlines inside are incised into the wood; the close-up photo shows the lines. The six photos show the board alone; the checkers and the dice set are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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? Wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth and brush the incised lines now and then with a soft dry brush. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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