Vahanavank Monastery and Grapevine Armenian Backgammon Set

Vahanavank Monastery and Grapevine Armenian Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

Vahanavank monastery sits at the foot of a mountain whose peak is cut in pale wood on this Armenian backgammon set, with ՎԱՀԱՆԱՎԱՆՔ in Armenian letters beneath the oval scene. Grapevines trail across the rest of the lid, leaves and clusters standing in relief over a stippled ground, and a cut-out carry handle runs through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The other outer face of the wooden backgammon board carries an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares, with more vine leaves and grape clusters carved on either side of it.

Inside, an oval is inlaid in pale wood in each half — ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ, Ararat, a pomegranate and a bunch of grapes, turned to face its player — between pale inlaid points with arrow tips. Rope-carved handle bars with cut-out grips run along the sides. Thirty-two wooden checkers, a pair of dice and a fabric carrying bag are included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained with pale wood inlays, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: Vahanavank monastery under a pale-wood mountain with ՎԱՀԱՆԱՎԱՆՔ in Armenian letters, grapevines with leaves and clusters; inlaid chequered panel between vines on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an inlaid oval with ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ, Ararat, grapes and a pomegranate in each half; side grips
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice
• Fabric carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A named monastery: Vahanavank carved with its name in Armenian letters, so nobody has to guess.
• The peak in pale wood: the mountain summit is a lighter inlay that lifts off the dark stained scene.
• Vines on both faces: grape leaves and clusters frame the scene and the chequered panel alike.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Which part is the paler wood? The mountain peak above the monastery — not the church itself, as the old listing said. The monastery, its walls and the lettering are carved in the dark stained beech; the pale wood appears on the summit outside and in the ovals and points inside.

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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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