Pomegranates and Grapes Armenian Backgammon Set in White and Gold

Pomegranates and Grapes Armenian Backgammon Set in White and Gold by Hrachya Ohanyan

Pomegranates and a bunch of grapes carved in deep relief on a round panel, the whole lid washed white and rubbed with gold. This is the 60 cm / 23.6″ wooden backgammon set made by Hrachya Ohanyan. Handmade in beech under the white-and-gold finish, with 32 checkers, dice cut from billiard balls and a branded carrying case.

This is the board for the white living room, the wedding table, and the family that wants the pomegranate — the Armenian sign of abundance — on something they will actually use. The fruit and the grapes stand clear of the panel, skins and leaves catching the gold; around them the lid is a lattice of small diamonds in a lobed cartouche, with rope-and-bead borders and a gold chequerboard on the back.

Inside, the same white-and-gold ground with pale points drawn in line and tipped in fleur-de-lys, a petal wheel on each half and an ornate hinge on the bar. The checkers come in white and gold to match. For a housewarming, an anniversary, or the player who thinks every board has to be brown.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, painted white with an aged gold finish and varnished
• Carving: pomegranates and grapes in deep relief on a round panel; lattice cartouche with rope-and-bead borders; gold-and-white chequerboard on the back
• Outline: Classic — straight edges, lobed cartouche corners
• Hardware: cast-bronze hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: entirely handmade by Hrachya Ohanyan

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Fruit you can hold: the pomegranates and grapes are cut deep enough to throw a shadow, and the gold sits in the hollows so every seed and leaf reads.
• White, not brown: a lid painted white and aged with gold, gold checkers, a gold chequerboard on the back — a backgammon set that belongs in a bright room.
• Make it theirs: add a name or a date at checkout to mark a wedding, an anniversary or years of games together.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? Yes. The pomegranates, grapes and leaves are carved in deep relief from the solid beech, and the lattice, rope borders and wheel ornaments are cut into the wood the same way. The white is paint and the gold an aged finish rubbed into the carving, both under varnish. Nothing is printed.

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.