Interlaced Wheel and Palmettes Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle

Interlaced Wheel and Palmettes Armenian Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A wheel of interlaced bands woven round a small swirl fills the middle of each outer face of this carved Armenian backgammon set, a scrolled palmette in an oval panel on either side and a plaited band round the wavy edge, with a cut-out carry handle through the top. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The wooden backgammon board has the same carving on both outer faces, so it looks finished whichever side is up on the shelf. The handle cut-out carries a twisted-rope bar, and the two palmettes are cut over a stippled ground inside their smooth oval frames.

Open, the points are set in pale wood on the dark ground with a small arrow tip on each, a pale interlaced star roundel sits in each half, the rails are scalloped and every corner has a long dice recess. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of dice come with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: interlaced wheel with a swirl hub between two scrolled palmettes in oval panels, plaited bands around the edge; the same on both outer faces
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip with a twisted-rope bar through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced star roundel in each half; scalloped rails, corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle, carved on both outer faces
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• The wheel: a full interlace of woven bands, cut cleanly enough to follow one strand round.
• Carved both sides: wheel, palmettes and plaited border repeat on the second face.
• Made to carry: a rope-carved handle cut through both halves, so it goes where the game is.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the interlace carved or pressed? Carved — the bands of the wheel stand proud of a stippled ground and cross over and under each other in relief, and the palmettes either side are cut the same way. Inside, the points and star roundels are pale wood set into the dark beech.

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? Dust the carving with a soft brush, wipe the flat wood with a dry cloth and keep the board out of direct sun. Close it with the checkers inside when the game is over.

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