Mount Ararat Chess Set with Grapevine Frame and Knotwork Squares

Mount Ararat Chess Set with Grapevine Frame and Knotwork Squares — Handmade in Armenia

A knot is carved into every pale square of this chess set, and the frame round them is cut deep in grapevine — bunches, leaves, tendrils and pomegranates on a stippled ground — with Mount Ararat in pale relief at each end. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″, handmade in Armenia from beech, with 32 turned wooden pieces.

This is the wooden chess set where the squares themselves are carved. Each light square carries a four-loop knot cut into the pale wood, so the field has texture under the pieces as well as colour; the dark squares are left plain, and the coordinates are carved into the rim. The frame is the deepest part of the board — leaves curl over each other, grapes hang in full bunches, small pomegranates sit between them.

Ararat is carved at the top and bottom edge, snow left in the pale wood, and the outer edge is scalloped. The board folds shut on bronze clasps; open it the other way and the inside is carved as a backgammon field, with a pomegranate in one half and grapes in the other. The set ships with the 32 chess pieces only.

Specifications

• Size: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Material: beech wood, dark-stained, with a field of pale and brown squares
• Carving: four-loop knot in every pale square, grapevine frame with grape bunches, vine leaves, tendrils and pomegranates, Mount Ararat in relief at each end, scalloped edge, carved coordinates
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces in pale beech and dark walnut
• Folded: 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech chess board
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 dark
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Carved squares: a knot in every pale square — the field is part of the carving, not a plain inlay.
• A vineyard a finger deep: grapes, leaves, tendrils and pomegranates curl over each other round the frame.
• Ararat at both ends: the mountain faces each player, carved in pale relief above the vines.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the knots in the squares carved or printed? Carved. Each pale square is cut with a four-loop knot in low relief, which is why the light squares look textured in the photos; the dark squares are left smooth. The grapevine frame, the pomegranates and the two Ararats are cut from the same beech. Nothing is printed.

Are backgammon checkers included? No. This set comes with the 32 chess pieces. The inside of the board is carved as a backgammon field, so you can add your own checkers and dice if you want the second game.

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 scrollwork with a soft brush, wipe the field dry, and keep the pieces in the bag.