Eagle and Lion Two-Face Backgammon Set with Handle

Eagle and Lion Two-Face Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Two animals share this carved backgammon set, one to each outer face: an eagle swooping in with wings spread and talons down under a small eight-pointed star, and a lion striding over cracked earth with its jaws open beneath a matching star, each on a cross-hatched oval with leaf scrolls curling in at the corners. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

There is no chequered panel on this wooden backgammon set — whichever way it stands on the shelf, a carved animal faces the room.

The playing side is left plain: points outlined in incised lines with rounded tips, an eight-pointed star cut into the middle of each half, long grips in the rails and a dice recess at every corner, with 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, warm red-brown stain, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: swooping eagle with spread wings on one face, striding lion over cracked earth on the other, each with an eight-pointed star on a cross-hatched oval between leaf scrolls
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised points with rounded tips and an incised eight-pointed star 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

• Pick your side: eagle up or lion up, the closed board shows a full carved scene either way.
• Feathers and mane: the eagle's primaries and the lion's mane are each cut as separate strands over the cross-hatch.
• Stars all round: an eight-pointed star above each animal outside, and one cut into each half inside.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the accents octagons? They are eight-pointed stars — one above each animal and one incised in each half of the playing side. The inside of this board is carved rather than inlaid, all in the same wood. 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.