Luxury Ararat Landscape Armenian Backgammon Set in an Oval

Luxury Ararat Landscape Armenian Backgammon Set in an Oval — Handmade in Armenia

Mount Ararat's twin peaks stand over a lake on the lid of this luxury Armenian backgammon set, three tall poplars in the foreground, fields stepping back to the shore, clouds and a few birds above — a whole landscape carved in relief inside one large oval on a 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ walnut board, handmade in Armenia.

This is the wooden backgammon set that is a picture first. The trees are cut deep enough to throw shadow on the lake, the mountain's ridges are drawn in fine lines that pale toward the snow, the field rows run in perspective toward the shore, and the oval sits on a stippled ground with a plain moulded frame round the outside. The far face carries a carved panel between two whirling suns.

The inside is bare walnut with the grain showing, and it stays plain: a flower with many petals drawn in each half, points as looped arrow outlines with trefoil tips, arched scallops at the ends and a trough beneath them for the checkers and dice.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, oiled finish, with the figure of the grain showing inside
• Carving: Mount Ararat over a lake with three poplars, fields, rocks, clouds and birds in a large oval on a stippled ground, moulded frame; whirling suns on the far face; looped-outline points, a flower in each half and arched scallops inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark; pair of dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved walnut backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A view, not an emblem: the mountain, the lake, the poplars and the fields in one oval window.
• Depth in the foreground: the trees and rocks stand clear of the water behind them.
• Walnut inside: figured wood, looped points and a flower in each half.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? It is — peaks, trees, rocks and clouds are all relief left standing when the walnut round them was cut back and stippled, the suns on the far face likewise, and the field inside is scored into the wood rather than printed on it. No pressing, no applied parts.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Dust the carving with a soft brush, wipe the flat wood with a dry cloth and store it closed.

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