Galloping Horse Backgammon Set

Galloping Horse Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

A horse runs flat out through tall grass on the lid of this carved backgammon set, forelegs reaching, mane and tail streaming behind it, every tuft cut in relief on a stippled ground inside a rope-bordered roundel. Pointed panels of diamond lattice sit on either side under a chip-carved border. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Shut the lid and the back is plainer: squares of pale and dark wood set flush as a chequered panel, and in the pointed panel at each end a whorl cut in relief.

Open it and the points are inlaid in pale wood with fleur tips, with a pale interlaced roundel of curling leaves in each half; cut-out grips in the rails, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two wooden checkers and dice come with it.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: galloping horse in tall grass in a rope-bordered roundel, lattice-filled pointed panels and chip-carved border; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an interlaced leaf roundel in each half; cut-out grips in the rails and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Caught mid-stride: all four legs are in motion and the grass bends under them, carved in real depth.
• Mane in the wind: mane and tail are cut as separate flying strands, not a solid mass.
• Leaf roundels inside: an inlaid interlaced disc in pale wood in each half beside the points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the horse rearing? No — the old listing had it up on its hind legs, but the carving shows a horse at full gallop through grass, body level and forelegs stretched forward. This board has no top grip; it lifts by the cut-out grips in its rails. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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 faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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