Howling Wolf and Moon Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls

Howling Wolf and Moon Backgammon Set with Leaf Scrolls — Handmade in Armenia

Muzzle lifted to a full moon, a wolf stands on a rock at the centre of this carved backgammon set — the moon a smooth disc behind it, inside a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and corner triangles on a straight-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Shut and turned over, the board shows a chequered panel of pale and dark squares inlaid flush across the middle of the underside, with a carved leaf-and-grape cartouche at either end.

Inside, an eight-petal flower is incised in a ring at the centre of each half, drop-shaped points with round tips run above and below, the bar edges are scalloped, and a trough with a round cup at each end is cut along every outer rail. Two plain brass-toned hinges join the halves; there is no cut-out grip. 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 inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a wolf howling on a rock before a full moon in a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground, leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and stippled corner triangles on a straight-edged lid; leaf-and-grape cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points with round tips, scalloped bar edges and an incised eight-petal flower in a ring in each half; rail troughs with round cups at the ends
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• The moon is real: a full disc is cut behind the wolf's head, so the howl has something to aim at.
• Straight edges: this lid is rectangular, not wavy, which gives the scrolls and rope border a frame to sit in.
• Cups on the rails: each trough ends in a round hollow, a place for the dice between turns.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the wolf snarling or howling? Howling — head back, muzzle up, standing on a rock with the moon behind. There is no bag and no clasps: the old copy listed both, but the five photos show the board only with two plain hinges, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 wolf, the rock and the stippled ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces 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.