Arabesque Ornament Backgammon Set with Classic Outline

Arabesque Ornament Backgammon Set with Classic Outline by Hrachya Ohanyan

A whirling star of curled leaves and palmettes, carved in deep relief on a stippled disc inside a rope ring, on a lid ruled into diamond lattice. This is the 60 cm / 23.6″ wooden backgammon set made by Hrachya Ohanyan, classic outline. Made by hand in beech, with 32 wooden checkers, dice and a carrying bag.

This is the board for the player who wants real depth on the lid — the deepest carving among the beech boards, priced like the flat ones. The ornament stands well proud of the disc: eight points of layered leaves spiral out from the centre, each curl cut back so it throws its own shadow, and the ground between them is stippled fine as sand; a rope ring closes the disc, the lobed cartouche around it is a diamond lattice in line work, and a rope border follows the rim.

Inside, pale drop-tipped points on a walnut-brown field, a petal wheel cut into each half and a brass hinge; the back cover carries a small eternity whirl in line work in each lobed panel. For the man who runs his thumb over things, the dining room with dark furniture, and the player who wants the carving to be the point.

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: eight-point star of curled leaves and palmettes in deep relief on a stippled disc inside a rope ring; diamond lattice in line work across a lobed cartouche; rope borders; two small eternity whirls in line work on the back
• 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
• Dice set
• Black carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Real depth: the leaves are cut in layers with the ground lowered between them, so the ornament reads in shadow from across the room, not just in outline.
• Rough and smooth: stippled ground under the leaves, line-work lattice round them, a smooth rope ring between — three textures on one lid.
• 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

How deep is the carving? Deep enough to cast shadow: the leaves of the star are cut in layers, with the ground between them lowered and stippled, so the ornament stands clear of the disc. The lattice around it is line work, so the lid stays flat where hands rest. Stain and varnish go on last; nothing is 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 bag.

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.