Armenian Knot Star Backgammon Set with Handle

Armenian Knot Star Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

One knot star, sunk into the wood: the lid of this Armenian backgammon set is plain except for a round recess holding a disc of interlaced bands woven into a star round a small flower, a scrolled ornament in each corner and an oval grip cut through the wavy top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The same four corner scrolls repeat on the reverse, where they surround an inlaid chequered panel of pale and darker squares with the grip cut below it and two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge.

Inside, every point is incised with a small pointed-arch ornament, and an incised knot disc of the same interlace sits in the middle of each half; scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two plain brass-toned hinges finish the playing side.

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: interlaced knot star round a small flower, in relief inside a sunken round recess, scrolled ornaments in the four corners and a double-line border on a wavy-edged lid; the same corner scrolls round an inlaid chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised points each holding a pointed-arch ornament, and an incised knot disc in each half; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two plain 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

• Sunk, not raised: the knot star sits in a round recess below the surface of the lid, so nothing stands proud to catch or chip.
• Quiet lid: one disc, four corner scrolls and a plain field — the least crowded board in this family.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What does 'ornate ornament' mean? That was the old title. What is carved is a single interlaced knot star, bands woven over and under each other round a small flower, sunk into a round recess in the lid. 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 knot star and the corner scrolls 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.