Carved Sun-Wheel and Acanthus Backgammon Set in Walnut

Carved Sun-Wheel and Acanthus Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

A sun-wheel of many points, ringed with carved knotwork, sits at the centre of each outer face of this carved backgammon set, acanthus scrolls curling out to either side and a lattice panel closing each end, with a beaded moulding round the edge. Walnut throughout, 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

The relief runs corner to corner, so the lid and the base of the wooden backgammon board are carved the same and there is no plain side to hide. Inside, the walnut field is quieter: slender points with arrowhead tips and an interlace disc in each half incised into the wood, a long recess in every corner for the dice, and a scalloped rail at each end.

The case shuts on brass hinges and side clasps. Inside it you get the turned wooden checkers, pale and dark, and the dice.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood in a medium-dark finish, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: knotwork-ringed sun-wheel, acanthus scrolls, lattice end panels and beaded border on both outer faces; incised points and interlace discs inside
• Checkers: 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding walnut backgammon board
• 32 turned wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Carved edge to edge: sun-wheel, scrolls and lattice with no plain ground left.
• Identical faces: the lid and the base carry the same relief.
• Walnut shadows: the medium-dark grain deepens every cut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real relief? Yes — the sun-wheel, the knotwork ring and the scrolls stand proud of a stippled ground, and the lattice panels are cut strand over strand; run a finger across the lid and you feel every curl. The points and discs inside are incised lines, not print.

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? Dust the relief with a soft brush and wipe the flat walnut with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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