Striking Scorpion Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls

Striking Scorpion Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

Claws open and the tail curled up over its back to strike, a scorpion sits in the leaf-chain roundel of this wooden backgammon set, every segment of the tail cut in relief on a cross-hatched ground, with leaf sprays either side and a leaf-chain border on the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

A scorpion suits the game — patience, then the sting — and this one is cut with the segments of the tail stacked one above the other so the sting throws its own small shadow. The other face carries a chequered panel with a floret stamped on alternate squares, between two scroll brackets with stippled panels.

Inside, the halves are dark and plain apart from the incised drop-shaped points and a scroll ring in the middle of each, with troughs along the rails for the checkers and two plain hinges on the spine; two small clasps close the front edge. 32 wooden checkers and a dice set come with the board.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark red-brown stain, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: scorpion with arched tail and open claws, cross-hatched ground, in a leaf-chain roundel; leaf sprays either side, leaf-chain border with stippled corner spandrels on a wavy-edged lid; chequered panel with stamped florets between stippled scroll brackets on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; a dice set
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and a ring of scrolls in each half; checker troughs along the rails
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers
• Dice set

Why You'll Love It

• A sting with a shadow: the tail is cut segment by segment and stands clear of the hatched ground, so the scorpion reads in relief from across the table.
• Both faces carved: leaf sprays round the scorpion on the lid, a floret-stamped chequered panel between scroll brackets on the reverse.
• Wavy edges: the scalloped outline runs round every side of the case, not just the lid.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the scorpion carved in relief? Yes — body, claws and the arched tail stand above the cross-hatched ground, and the close-up photo shows the segments in depth. The six photos show the board alone; the checkers and the dice set are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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 hatched ground, the tail and the leaf chain with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and store it closed.

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