Walking Bear Backgammon Set with Lobed Cartouche and Handle

Walking Bear Backgammon Set with Lobed Cartouche and Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A bear walks through long grass across the lid of this carved backgammon set, head low and one forepaw forward, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed lobed cartouche, with leaf scrolls at either end, a leaf-chain border and an oval grip cut through the wavy top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse is carved rather than inlaid: a chequered grid in the same wood, every other square stamped with a scatter of tiny punched flowers, flanked by two carved cartouches of stippled grapes and curling leaves, with the grip above and two small brass-toned clasps at the front.

Inside, the field is plain — drop-shaped points incised into each half, each tipped with a small ring — with scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two ornamental pierced brass-toned hinges down the spine.

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, brass-toned hinges and clasps; no pale wood inlay on this board
• Carving: walking bear in long grass, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed lobed cartouche, leaf scrolls either end and a leaf-chain border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking a carved chequered grid with punched squares on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised ring-tipped drop-shaped points, plain field with no central motif; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two ornamental pierced 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 with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• One-wood reverse: the chequered grid is carved and punched in the same beech, not inlaid — a quieter look than the two-tone panels.
• Lobed frame: the bear's cartouche comes to a point at each end rather than closing in a circle.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the chequered side inlaid? No — it is cut into the lid itself and the alternate squares are stamped with small punched flowers, so the whole board stays one colour. The five photos show the board alone; checkers and dice 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 bear, the grass and the punched squares 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 close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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