Lion and Three-Headed Dragon Carved Backgammon Set

Lion and Three-Headed Dragon Carved Backgammon Set — Handmade in Armenia

A lion springs at a serpent-bodied dragon with three heads on the lid of this carved backgammon set, the dragon's coils looping under the lion's paws and all three jaws open, the fight cut in deep relief inside a shield-shaped panel with a rope border and a diamond lattice ground around it. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.

On the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board the lattice frames a chequered panel of pale and dark squares in a cartouche. Inside, the field is dark-stained beech with points inlaid in two pale tones, a ringed target disc in each half, carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

Two clasps and brass hinges close the case, and a set of wooden checkers in dark and pale with a pair of dice is included.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood in a dark stained finish, with pale inlaid points inside; brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: lion and three-headed dragon in a rope-bordered shield panel on a lattice ground; chequered cartouche on the other face; pale inlaid points and target discs inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• Three heads: the dragon is a coiled serpent with three open jaws, not a single beast.
• Deep relief: mane, scales and coils stand well clear of the stippled ground.
• Lattice frame: a diamond ground and rope border round the shield on both faces.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the scene carved? Yes — the lion and the dragon stand in deep relief with the mane and every scale cut in, the ground behind them is stippled and the lattice is worked line by line. The points and discs inside are pale wood let into the dark field.

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? Dust the relief and lattice with a soft brush and wipe the flat wood 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.