Tree of Life Chess and Backgammon Set with Metal Warrior Pieces

Tree of Life Chess and Backgammon Set with Metal Warrior Pieces — Handmade in Armenia

A cast-metal Tree of Life is set into each end of this chess and backgammon set, on a frame carved edge to edge in a diamond lattice with scalloped sides — chess outside, nardi inside, 32 figural metal warriors in gold and dark bronze. 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″ open, handmade in Armenia from beech.

This is the wooden chess set with the most carving per centimetre: the lattice covers the whole top, a small pyramid at every crossing, and the pale and brown squares sit flat in the middle with a brass coordinate disc beside each row. The Tree of Life discs are cast in relief and let into the frame at either end, and the edges are cut in a wave.

The armies are cast figures, not turned shapes: helmeted foot soldiers with spears and shields for the pawns, mounted knights, crowned kings and queens, gold against dark bronze, each on a round base. Inside the fold is the backgammon field, its points inlaid in pale wood around two carved sun discs.

Specifications

• Size: 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″
• Material: beech wood with an inlaid field of pale and brown squares
• Carving: diamond lattice over the whole top, scalloped edges, two cast-metal Tree of Life discs let into the frame, brass coordinate discs; inlaid backgammon points and two carved round discs inside
• Pieces: 32 figural cast-metal chess pieces on round bases, 16 gold and 16 dark bronze; 30 wooden backgammon checkers; pair of dice
• Folded: 40 × 20 cm / 15.7″ × 7.9″
• Hardware: bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved beech board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 figural cast-metal chess pieces, 16 gold and 16 dark bronze
• 30 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Carved to the edge: no plain wood left — the lattice runs from the squares out to the scalloped rim.
• An army in metal: spears, shields and crowns cast in relief, gold against dark bronze, with real heft on the board.
• One tree, both ends: the Tree of Life disc faces each player and tells you which way round the board goes.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the Tree of Life carved or applied? It is a separate cast-metal disc, worked in relief and set into a round recess at each end, flush with the carving around it. The lattice, the wave edge and the backgammon field inside are cut into the beech itself. The pieces are cast metal on round bases, one army gold-toned, the other dark bronze.

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? Wipe the board with a soft, dry cloth and dust the lattice with a brush; keep it out of direct sunlight. Wipe the pieces dry after play and keep everything in the bag.

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