Star Chess and Backgammon Set with Scrolls and Metal Pieces

Star Chess and Backgammon Set with Scrolls and Metal Pieces — Handmade in Armenia

An eight-pointed star is carved in an oval disc at each end of this chess and backgammon set, flanked by sculptural scrolls, with a basket-weave panel on each side and 32 cast metal pieces — gold against black — on the field. 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″ open, handmade in Armenia from beech, with checkers, dice and a bag.

This is the wooden chess set with a frame that curls. The scrolls stand well off a stippled ground on either side of each star, the weave on the sides is cut strip over strip, and the outline follows the carving in a sculpted sweep; the coordinates sit in brass discs beside the inlaid squares. The pieces are cast in metal with turned-form bodies and ornate crowns — gold-toned for one side, black for the other.

Open it and the backgammon field is inside, with an eight-pointed star inlaid in pale wood in each half between pale points, and a trough for the wooden checkers along each side. Small enough to travel in its bag; carved enough to stay on the table.

Specifications

• Size: 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″
• Material: beech wood, stained red-brown, with inlaid pale and brown squares
• Carving: eight-pointed star in an oval disc at each end, sculptural scrolls beside it, basket-weave panel on each side, stippled ground, sculpted edge, brass coordinate discs; inlaid points and a star in each half inside
• Pieces: 32 cast metal chess pieces with ornate crowns, 16 gold-toned and 16 black; 32 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 20 × 40 cm / 7.9″ × 15.7″
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 cast metal chess pieces, 16 gold-toned and 16 black
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A star at each end: eight facets cut deep in an oval disc, scrolls rolling out on either side.
• Metal armies: cast pieces with real heft — gold against black — on a board that folds to a case.
• Stars inside too: one inlaid in pale wood in each half of the backgammon field.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the pieces metal? Yes, cast metal — ornate turned-form pieces with crowns and horse heads, one army in a gold tone and the other in black — with the heft you would expect. The stars, scrolls and weave are carved into the red-brown beech on a hand-stippled ground; the squares and the points and stars inside are inlaid wood. Nothing is printed.

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. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

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