Snarling Wolf Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals

Snarling Wolf Backgammon Set with Lattice Ovals — Handmade in Armenia

Jaws open and teeth bared, a wolf's head in profile fills the rope-rimmed roundel of this wooden backgammon set, ears flat and ruff bristling on a stippled ground, 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.

Close it and turn it over: the two lattice ovals sit either side of a chequered panel of pale and dark squares let into the reverse, ready for draughts or checkers.

The playing side inside is inlaid rather than incised — two-tone fleur-tipped points 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: a snarling wolf head in profile in a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground, 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

• Side-on and snarling: the head is carved in profile with the mouth open, the fiercest of the wolf lids in this range.
• 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

Where is the moon? There isn't one — the old title and copy described a wolf on a rise under a full moon, but the photos show a snarling head in profile inside a rope-rimmed roundel, so the listing has been corrected. There is no bag either: 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.

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 ruff 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.