Zodiac marquetry backgammon board
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Alexandra Llewellyn Zodiac Detail
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Zodiac marquetry backgammon board
Alexandra Llewellyn Zodiac Detail
Alexandra Llewellyn Zodiac Detail

Zodiac Circular Backgammon Set

£24,000

An extraordinary Alexandra Llewellyn design in wood marquetry that offers an exciting new way to play this timeless game, our circular Zodiac board reimagines the traditional backgammon layout, which has been rectangular for more than 5,000 years.

Please note: this item has a 12-week lead time from placing your order.

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Engraving

Find out more about our personalisation options.

Engraving Backgammon Full-size Box (£480)

A date, initials or personal message.
Select Engraving Font
Personalisation Notes

I designed the Zodiac backgammon board to fit beautifully into most interiors, with the round design lending itself perfectly to being displayed on a table. It takes just a few games to familiarise yourself with playing on a circular board, after which I promise you will be converted.

Alexandra Llewellyn

ZODIAC in detail

  • Each Zodiac board is made to order and offers myriad options for personalisation
  • The board is inlaid with the constellations of the zodiac in mother of pearl and silver wire
  • Sustainable marquetry woods include satinwood, blue and silver ripple sycamore

  • Handcrafted dovetail drawers, lined in blue leather and satinwood, includes semi-precious carnelian and cast silver playing pieces
  • Presented with a blue calf leather doubling die and dice shakers, together with precision laser-cut dice
  • Size: 63.5 x 8cm
  • Hand-made in England

A piece of history

While most backgammon boards are traditionally rectangular in shape, round backgammon boards were referenced in the 13th century Libro de los Juegos (Book of Games) and have been played throughout history. The round design plays to the circular nature of the game, as well as referencing the orbits of the sun and moon.

First of its kind

Rather than tapering inwards from the edge of the board, Alexandra’s circular design features triangles that emanate outwards from the centre, making it the first radial backgammon set in the world.

The art of wood inlay

Using woods specially selected by Alexandra because they perfectly capture their subjects, the sun and the moon, the marquetry artist inlays golden satinwood and shimmering silver ripple sycamore triangles into the blue ripple sycamore board to create the incredible, radiating design.

Signs of the Zodiac

Delicate silver wire is coaxed into different shapes to form the 12 astrological constellations, accompanied by mother of pearl points, and inlaid by hand into the blue ripple sycamore.

Celestial bodies

Mirroring the sun and moon orbiting the stars, the semi-precious playing pieces include carved cabochons of Carnelian, a glassy, translucent orange stone, alongside cast solid silver pieces that resemble the cratered surface of the moon.

HOW TO PLAY

Quadrants on the round backgammon board are divided by the thin, solid grey triangles. Play starts on the right hand side of the board, following the specific coloured arrows’ direction of play – orange travels clockwise around the board, whilst blue travels anticlockwise.

tailored to you

Almost every aspect of the Zodiac backgammon board can be personalised. Available in different colourways and with the semi-precious playing pieces of your choice, it is also possible to inlay one of the star signs with the birthstone of its owner – a beautiful bespoke touch for the backgammon lover in your life.

Engraving

Backgammon board box lids and Stone Playing Pieces can be personalised with laser-engraved initials, dates, or even a short message. You can request engraving during the online checkout process.

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Worldwide Delivery

All orders (for stocked items) are shipped within 2-5 working days.  Personalisation will be an additional 7 days.   Shipping charges can be viewed here.  All displayed GBP £ prices include VAT. If your shipping location is outside the UK, the price shown at checkout will exclude VAT.

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Complimentary Gift Wrapping

Every Alexandra Llewellyn purchase is beautifully wrapped and dispatched in packaging designed to protect and enhance your new game. If the order is a gift, you can write a gift note at checkout. We will remove any paperwork stating the price.

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