Travel Chess and Backgammon Set with Basket Weave Frame

Travel Chess and Backgammon Set with Basket Weave Frame — Handmade in Armenia

Strip over strip, a basket weave is carved round the frame of this travel chess and backgammon set — a square-edged board with chess outside and backgammon inside. It is 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″, handmade in Armenia from beech and stained dark, with 32 wooden chess pieces, 32 checkers, a dice set and a carrying bag.

This is the wooden chess set that looks woven from across the table. Every strip of the weave passes over and under its neighbour in real relief, with dotted texture in the gaps, and the border is deep enough that the chess field sits slightly recessed inside it. The edges are straight and the corners square, so it stands flat on any shelf.

Inside, the backgammon board has pale points and a round knot ornament at the centre of each half, drawn in line work. The 32 chess pieces are turned in light and dark wood — the knights carved as horse heads — and the checkers and dice come in the bag with them. A set for the flat that has one shelf for games.

Specifications

• Size: 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″
• Material: beech wood, stained dark brown and varnished
• Carving: basket-weave frame in relief with a dotted ground, square edge; round knot ornaments and pale points in line work inside
• Pieces: 32 wooden chess pieces in light and dark wood, 32 wooden backgammon checkers, dice set
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 wooden chess pieces in light and dark wood
• 32 wooden backgammon checkers
• Dice set
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Two games in one: chess on the lid and nardi inside, so one board covers the whole family.
• A woven frame: the basket weave is carved, not stamped — you can feel each strip cross the next.
• Sits flat: straight edges and square corners make it the easiest board to store and the steadiest on the table.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. The basket weave is carved into the beech in relief, each strip standing over the next, and the ornaments and points inside are cut in line work. Nothing is printed.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed in its bag.

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