Mount Ararat Chess and Backgammon Set with Grapes and Pomegranate

Mount Ararat Chess and Backgammon Set with Grapes and Pomegranate — Handmade in Armenia

Mount Ararat is carved at both ends of this chess and backgammon set — snow in the pale wood, the peaks on a stippled ground above a cut-out carry handle — with grape clusters, vine leaves and a pomegranate down the sides. Chess outside, nardi inside; 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open, handmade in Armenia from beech.

This is the wooden chess set with the vineyard round it. Grapes hang in relief on both sides, three bunches to a rail, with leaves and tendrils cut between them; a pomegranate sits in one corner, and a rope border follows the scalloped edge. The mountain is carved twice, so whichever side you sit, Ararat is in front of you.

The handles are cut straight through the wood at each end, so the closed board lifts like a case. Open it on the bronze hinges and the backgammon field runs the full length, its points inlaid in pale wood around a carved sun disc in each half. Pieces, checkers and dice come in the bag.

Specifications

• Size: 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open
• Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with an inlaid field of pale and brown squares
• Carving: Mount Ararat in relief at each end, grape clusters, vine leaves and a pomegranate at the sides, rope border, scalloped edge, brass coordinate discs; inlaid backgammon points and two carved sun discs inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 11.8 × 23.6 in (30 × 60 cm)
• Carry handle: cut through each end
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Ararat from both chairs: the mountain is carved at each end, so neither player sits with their back to it.
• A vineyard in relief: grapes, leaves and a pomegranate stand off a stippled ground — carving with shadow, not a print.
• Two games in one board: chess outside, backgammon inside, with a cut-out handle at each end of the folded board.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the pomegranate carved too? Yes. The pomegranate, the grape bunches and the vine leaves are cut in relief from the beech, standing off a stippled ground with a rope border round the edge; the mountain is carved at both ends with the snow left in the pale wood. The points and sun discs inside are inlaid and carved the same way. Nothing is printed or glued on.

What about shipping and returns? Tracked shipping is free to the US, Canada, Europe, the UK and the Middle East; other destinations have a $100 flat rate. See our shipping policy for delivery estimates and customs information, and our 30-day returns policy for eligibility and exclusions.

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 field dry, and keep everything in the bag.

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

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