Eight-Petal Star Backgammon Set with Handle

Eight-Petal Star Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Eight lozenge petals, each with a raised rim round a stippled centre, meet at a small round boss to make the star on this carved backgammon set — in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel with leaf scrolls and an oval grip cut through the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The chequered face is cut into the same wood rather than inlaid: a grid whose alternate squares are stamped with tiny punched flowers, with a carved grape-and-leaf cartouche either side, the grip above and two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge.

The playing side is plain apart from the points, incised into each half with a small ring at every tip, with scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two ornamental brass-toned hinges down the spine.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain, brass-toned hinges and clasps; no pale wood inlay on this board
• Carving: eight-petal star of rimmed, stippled lozenges round a small boss, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking a carved chequered grid with punched squares on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised ring-tipped drop-shaped points, plain field with no central motif; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two ornamental brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Petals, not blades: each of the eight points is a rimmed lozenge with a stippled face, so the star reads soft rather than sharp.
• One colour throughout: the chequered side is carved and punched in the same beech, not inlaid in two tones.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is it an octagon? The old title called it an octagon star; it is an eight-pointed star of lozenge petals inside a round roundel, not an eight-sided frame. The five photos show the board alone; checkers and dice 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? Brush the star, the scrolls and the punched squares with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. 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.