Six-Petal Scroll Flower Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle

Six-Petal Scroll Flower Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Six heart-shaped petals, each split by a pair of curling scrolls, open round a small daisy on the lid of this Armenian backgammon set, a leaf tip between every pair — a flower disc in relief on a stippled ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel with leaf scrolls and an oval grip through the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse pairs inlay with punchwork: the pale squares of the chequered panel are set into the dark wood and each is stamped with a small flower, and a carved cartouche of stippled grapes and curling leaves sits at either end, with the grip above and two small brass-toned clasps at the front.

Inside, the ornament is line work only — a petalled wheel and drop-shaped points cut into each half — under scalloped bar edges, with rail and corner troughs and two round pierced brass-toned hinges joining 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 with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: six-petal scroll flower round a small daisy with leaf tips between the petals, in relief on a stippled ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking an inlaid and punched chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an incised petalled wheel in each half; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two round pierced 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 within petals: each of the six petals carries its own pair of scrolls and a leaf tip between, so the disc reads as three layers of pattern.
• Punched inlay: the pale squares on the reverse are both inlaid and stamped with tiny flowers.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How many petals? Six, each heart-shaped and split by two scrolls, with six leaf tips between them and a small daisy at the centre. The six 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 petals, the scrolls and the stippled ground 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.