Bear and Three Cubs Backgammon Set with Handle

Bear and Three Cubs Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A mother bear and three cubs, carved in pale wood, walk along a ridge inside the arched panel of this carved backgammon set, standing out against a dark cross-hatched ground with an acanthus scroll curling in from either side and a band of scrollwork beneath their feet. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Stand it the other way up and the bears give way to squares: a chequered panel let in flush, with a stippled shell cartouche carved at each end of it.

Open, each half shows pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid interlaced knot roundel, with side grips, corner dice recesses and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice come with it.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark brown stain with pale wood bears and inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: mother bear and three cubs in pale wood on a cross-hatched arched panel between acanthus scrolls; shell-and-scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid interlaced knot roundel in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges and two front clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Four bears, not two: the mother leads and three cubs follow, each one cut in pale wood so the family reads from across the room.
• Fur in the grain: the pale wood is worked in fine strokes that follow the coat.
• Knots inside: an inlaid interlaced roundel in each half beside the points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How many bears are there? Four — a mother and three cubs in a line, carved in pale wood against the dark ground; the old listing left the count out. The frame is an arch of cross-hatching with acanthus scrolls, not flowing scrollwork all round. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces 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.