Lace Wheel and Plaited Knots Armenian Backgammon Set with Carry Handle

Lace Wheel and Plaited Knots Armenian Backgammon Set with Carry Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A wheel of interlace as fine as lace fills the roundel at the centre of this carved Armenian backgammon set, and plaited knot bands loop round it and out to frame a smooth panel on either side, tying themselves in a knot at every corner, with a cut-out carry handle in the top edge. Stained beech, 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

The other outer face of the wooden backgammon board carries a chequered panel, every second square cut with a small motif, between the same plaited frames. Inside, the field is dark with points inlaid in two pale tones and a pale lace wheel in each half, carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice; the handle cut-out passes through both halves.

Dark and pale wooden checkers, dice and a black cloth carrying bag come with it; two brass hinges and side clasps close the case.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood in a walnut-brown stained finish, with pale inlaid points inside; brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: lace-fine interlace wheel in a roundel, plaited knot bands framing two smooth panels, corner knots on the lid; chequered panel between plaited frames on the other face; pale inlaid points and lace wheels inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge and both side rails
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice
• Black carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• The wheel: interlace cut as fine as lace inside its ring.
• Plaited frames: knot bands that loop round the roundel and tie at the corners.
• Ready to go: a cut-out handle and a cloth bag for the road.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the wheel carved? Yes — the interlace is cut in low relief with the strands crossing over and under, the plaited bands are worked strand by strand and the smooth panels between are planed wood. The points and wheels inside are pale wood let into the dark field, 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 carving with a soft brush and wipe the flat wood with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and carry it in its bag with the checkers inside.

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