Stag Head with Spread Antlers Backgammon Set, Carved

Stag Head with Spread Antlers Backgammon Set, Carved — Handmade in Armenia

A stag's head and shouldered neck, its antlers branching wide across the whole lid, is carved along the length of this wooden backgammon set on a ground cut in fine lattice, with a curling leaf scroll closing the panel at either end — the animal reads upright when the board stands on its edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The tines of the antlers are cut cleanly clear of the lattice and the ruff of the neck in long strokes, so the head throws its own shadow. On the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board a chequered panel of pale and dark squares sits between two shell-scroll panels.

Unfold it and the two halves show light-wood points inlaid into the dark stain, a small arrow at the tip of each, a light spoked wheel at the centre of each half, arches cut along the end rails and a long recess for the dice in each corner. The set comes with thirty-two wooden checkers and two dice.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark stained, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: stag's head with spread antlers along the lid on a lattice ground, leaf scrolls at each end; chequered panel between shell scrolls on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and a spoked wheel in each half; arched end rails, corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Antlers edge to edge: the tines reach almost the full width of the lid.
• Lattice ground: a cut diamond mesh behind the head instead of plain wood.
• Inlaid field: pale points and wheels set into the dark board, not printed.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is it the whole stag? No — it is the head, neck and antlers, carved sideways along the lid so that the antlers can spread across its full length. The head is relief over a lattice-cut ground; the points and wheels inside are pale wood set into the dark beech.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free worldwide and tracked. Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.

How do I look after it? Brush the carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board away from direct sun and radiators and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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