Pomegranate Backgammon Set with Handle

Pomegranate Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Two pomegranates — one whole, one split to show its seeds — hang with their leaves in the rope-rimmed roundel of this Armenian backgammon set, carved in relief on a cross-hatched ground with leaf scrolls either side, a leaf-chain border and an oval grip cut through the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse carries an inlaid chequered panel of pale and darker squares between two carved grape-and-leaf cartouches, with the grip cut beneath and two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge, and the closed board slides into a fabric carrying bag with a strap handle.

Inside, the points are incised as arrow-headed spears and a petalled wheel in a scrolled ring is cut into each half; the set plays with 32 wooden checkers in pale and dark wood, ringed on top, and two small dice, on ornamental brass-toned hinges with scalloped bar edges and rail and corner troughs.

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 with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: whole and split pomegranates with leaves in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a leaf-chain border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers in pale and dark wood with ringed tops; two dice
• Inside: incised arrow-headed points and an incised petalled wheel in a scrolled ring in each half; 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, pale and dark
• Two dice
• Fabric carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Whole and split: one fruit closed, one open to its seeds, so the carving reads as pomegranate from any distance.
• Everything photographed: checkers, dice and the fabric bag all appear in the photos, not just the board.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves, and the bag adds a strap handle of its own.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What comes in the box? The board, 32 wooden checkers in pale and dark wood, two dice and a fabric carrying bag — all of them shown in the nine photos. The bag has a strap handle, and the board's own grip works with or without it.

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 pomegranates, the scrolls and the cross-hatched ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces and the checkers with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat; close the clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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