Crowned Lion Backgammon Set with Handle

Crowned Lion Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Crown between its ears, a lion looks straight out of the rope-bordered oval on this carved backgammon set, its mane falling in thick strands over a stippled ground, while a bold diamond lattice covers every other part of the lid out to a rope border at the edge. 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.

The wooden backgammon board's other face pairs an inlaid chequered panel with a carved palmette of split leaves and a curling stem on either side of it.

Inside, both halves are inlaid in pale wood with fleur-tipped points and an interlaced eight-lobed roundel, with long cut-out grips in the rails, a dice recess at every corner and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are included.

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 inlays and brass-toned hinges
• Carving: crowned lion's head in a rope-bordered oval on a diamond-lattice lid; carved leaf palmettes 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 interlaced eight-lobed roundel in each half; long rail 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

• A king with a crown: the five-pointed crown sits between the ears, cut in relief above the brow.
• Lattice to the edge: the diamond net runs across the whole lid, so the oval and its lion stand out as the only smooth ground.
• Roundels inside: an interlaced eight-lobed disc in pale wood beside the points in each half.

Good to Know Before You Buy

What is the lettering on the photographed lid? A dedication carved along the top edge for a previous customer's board; it is not part of the design. The ground behind the lion is stippled, and the lattice — not fine cross-hatching — covers the rest of the lid. 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.