Eagle Portrait Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals

Eagle Portrait Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals — Handmade in Armenia

Hooked beak, ridged brow and feathering combed back over the neck: an eagle's head in profile fills the rope-rimmed roundel of this wooden backgammon set, with a diamond-lattice oval on either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, straight-edged, handmade in Armenia.

Closed and turned over, the lattice ovals frame a chequered panel inlaid in pale and dark squares, so the reverse plays a second game.

The playing side is inlaid, not incised: fleur-tipped points in two tones of pale wood and a roundel of interlaced scrolls round a flower in each half, with round dice recesses in the rails, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges on brass-toned hinges. The five photos show the board alone.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: an eagle head in profile in a rope-rimmed roundel, a diamond-lattice oval on either side, rope border and stippled corner triangles; an inlaid chequered panel between lattice ovals on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: inlaid two-tone points with fleur tips and an inlaid scroll roundel in each half; round dice recesses, corner troughs and scalloped bar edges
• Edges: straight, no cut-out grip
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Head only, close in: beak, eye and brow fill the roundel, the way a bird sits on a coin.
• Inlaid playing side: two-tone points and a scroll roundel in each half instead of plain incised lines.
• Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What is in the ovals beside the eagle? A carved diamond lattice — the same net pattern fills the two ovals on the reverse round the chequered panel. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the five photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification. The inlaid interior was never mentioned before.

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 feathering and the lattice with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces and inlays with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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