We Are Our Mountains Armenian Backgammon Set with Classic Outline

We Are Our Mountains Armenian Backgammon Set with Classic Outline by Hrachya Ohanyan

Tatik and Papik — the We Are Our Mountains monument of Artsakh — drawn in fine line on a pale round panel with the word Artsakh in Armenian letters below, inside a lattice cartouche with rope borders. This is the 60 cm / 23.6″ wooden backgammon set made by Hrachya Ohanyan. Handmade in beech, with 32 checkers, dice and a black carrying bag.

This is the board for the family from Stepanakert, the diaspora house with the monument on the fridge, and the player who wants the grandmother and grandfather on the lid at a price that still allows the good cognac. The two heads rise out of the rock in clean lines, the stone blocks drawn one by one, and the lid around the panel is a faceted lattice of diamonds with lobed corners and a rope round every border.

Open it and the field is dark with pale points, a wheel of eight petals on each half and the stamped hinge at the bar; close it the other way and the back shows a chequerboard with an eternity whirl at either end. For the name day, the memorial table and the grandson who moved abroad.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, stained walnut brown and varnished
• Carving: the We Are Our Mountains monument in fine line work on a pale round panel with the word Artsakh below; faceted lattice cartouche, rope borders; chequerboard and eternity whirls 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 beech and walnut checkers
• Dice set
• Black carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• The monument, drawn clean: Tatik and Papik in line on a pale panel, with Artsakh lettered underneath, so the lid says where it is from without a word from you.
• Texture you can feel: the lattice is cut in facets that catch the light, the rope borders stand proud, and the back carries a full chequerboard for a second game.
• 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. The monument and the Artsakh lettering are drawn in fine line work into the pale panel — not printed — while the faceted lattice, the rope borders, the eternity whirls on the back and the wheels inside are all carved into the beech. The brown is a stain under the varnish.

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.