Saint Grigor Narekatsi Church Backgammon Set with Handle

Saint Grigor Narekatsi Church Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Three open arches carry a drum and dome on this Armenian backgammon set, the name cut beneath in Armenian letters — Սուրբ Գրիգոր Նարեկացի. The church stands in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side, rope border, wavy-edged lid; a cut-out carry handle passes through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The back of the shut board keeps to pattern: light and dark squares inlaid in a grid, a leaf-and-grape cartouche carved at each end, and the grip repeated through the top edge.

Inside, an incised map of Armenia with its regions named in Armenian letters sits in each half between the drop-shaped points, with a checker trough along each outer rail and brass-toned hinges. The photos show pale and dark wooden checkers, two dice and a dark cloth carrying bag.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: the church of Saint Grigor Narekatsi — drum and dome over a three-arched porch — with Սուրբ Գրիգոր Նարեկացի lettered beneath, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on a wavy-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark, grooved faces; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an incised map of Armenia with region names in Armenian in each half; checker trough along each outer rail
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges on the spine
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark
• Two dice
• Dark cloth carrying bag with handles

Why You'll Love It

• Named for the poet: the saint's name is cut in Armenian letters under the porch.
• Three arches: the porch is carved as three open arches below the drum and dome, the detail that gives the building its face.
• Handle and bag: a grip is cut through each half, and the set comes with a cloth bag for carrying.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is this the monastery on Lake Van? No — the old copy called it his monastery, but the lettering names a church of Saint Grigor Narekatsi, and the carving shows a domed church with a three-arched porch. Checkers, dice and bag are as photographed.

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 dome, the arches and the cross-hatched ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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