Armenia and Russia Coats of Arms Backgammon Set, Two-Sided

Armenia and Russia Coats of Arms Backgammon Set, Two-Sided by Hrachya Ohanyan

Two countries on one board: Armenia's eagle and lion with the quartered shield on the lid, Russia's double-headed eagle on the back, both in deep relief. This is the 60 cm / 23.6″ Armenian wooden backgammon set made by Hrachya Ohanyan, classic outline. Handmade in beech, with 32 wooden checkers, dice cut from billiard balls and a branded carrying case.

This is the board for the Armenian who lives in Moscow, or the Russian married into an Armenian family — two emblems, one board. On the front, the eagle and the lion hold the shield with Ararat and the ark at its heart, the sword, broken chain, wheat and ribbon beneath; on the back, the double-headed eagle wears its three crowns, holds sceptre and orb, and carries St George on its breast. Both are carved in full depth on stippled grounds, in beaded rings, between lattice panels.

There is no plain side, so whichever way it lies closed there is a crest facing up; open, it is one game — honey field, pale points with fleur-de-lys tips, a wheel ornament in a scrolled ring on each half, an ornate bronze hinge. For the mixed family, the office in Yerevan that deals with Moscow, and the diaspora table where both anthems get sung.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, stained honey brown and varnished
• Carving: lid — the coat of arms of Armenia (eagle and lion holding the quartered shield with Ararat and the ark; sword, broken chain, wheat, ribbon and quill beneath); back — the coat of arms of Russia (double-headed eagle with three crowns, sceptre and orb, St George on the breast); both in deep relief on stippled grounds inside beaded rings; cusped panels of honeycomb stipple; diamond lattice; rope borders
• Outline: Classic — a square frame with a moulded rim
• Hardware: cast-bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: entirely handmade by Hrachya Ohanyan

What's Included

• Hand-carved backgammon board
• 32 beech and walnut checkers with velvet bases
• Dice set cut from billiard balls
• Branded carrying case

Why You'll Love It

• Two seals, both complete: each coat of arms is carved with everything on it — the ark on Ararat, the chain and wheat; the crowns, sceptre, orb and St George — nothing simplified.
• Pick the side: closed on the shelf, it shows Armenia or Russia depending on which way you set it down.
• Make it theirs: add a name or a date at checkout to mark a birthday, a retirement or years of games together.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. Both emblems are carved in deep relief into the beech — the eagle, lion, shield and the sword and chain on one side, the double-headed eagle with its crowns, sceptre, orb and St George on the other — the grounds are stippled, and the beaded rings, honeycomb panels and lattice are cut into the same covers. Stain and varnish come last; nothing is printed, cast or applied.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free to the US, Canada and Europe, always tracked; other countries pay a flat $100 (Brazil, Chile and New Zealand $200). 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 carrying case.

About the Artist - Hrachya Ohanyan

National Master Hrachya Ohanyan began his fine woodcraft in 1985 and founded his workshop in Yerevan in 2010. This board belongs to his collection of wooden backgammon sets, each one made by hand by the craftspeople of that workshop. Read Hrachya Ohanyan's story or explore the full backgammon collection.

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