Armenian Backgammon Set - Saint Grigor Narekatsi

Armenian Backgammon Set - Saint Grigor Narekatsi

A thousand years ago a monk sat in a monastery on the shore of Lake Van and wrote a book of prayers so honest that Armenians have kept a copy in the house ever since — under pillows, beside sickbeds, passed between generations without much explanation. This handmade Armenian backgammon set is carved in tribute to him: his monastery cut in relief inside a deep oval frame at the centre of the lid, with carved scrollwork opening out around it to the border.

Grigor Narekatsi is the rare saint people speak about softly rather than proudly. His Book of Lamentations is not triumphant; it is a man arguing with himself and hoping to be heard, which is probably why it has lasted. Open the clasps, let the bronze hinges swing back, and the full 23.6" / 60 cm playing field is underneath — and nardi, at its best, is also two people talking honestly for hours while pretending to concentrate on something else. Carry this hand-carved wooden backgammon board in by its cut-out handle and set it down where the conversation is.

What's Included

• Backgammon board with bronze hinges, clasps and a cut-out carry handle
• 32 checkers made from beech and walnut wood
• A pair of dice and a carrying bag

Specifications

• Folded: 30 x 60 cm / 11.8 x 23.6"
• Open playing field: 60 x 60 cm / 23.6 x 23.6"
• Weight: 5 kg / 11 lb
• Wood: solid beech, with bronze hinges and clasps
• Handmade in Armenia

Why It Stands Out

• Carved in tribute to Grigor Narekatsi, the 10th-century monk and poet
• His monastery cut by hand in relief inside a deep oval frame, scrollwork to the border
• Folds shut on bronze hinges and travels by its own cut-out carry handle
• A handmade Armenian backgammon board with one of the country's quietest, best-loved names on it

A Gift With Something Behind It

For the household where the Narek still sits on a shelf, and for the one that has only heard of it. This is a gentle board rather than a grand one — which is very much in keeping with the man it is named for.