Three Elephants Backgammon Set with Handle

Three Elephants Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Trunks lifted, two elephants walk right with a calf trotting behind them across the arched panel of this carved backgammon set, all three cut in pale wood on a dark cross-hatched ground, with an acanthus scroll curling in from each corner and a band of scrollwork beneath. 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 set's reverse is the shelf side: a chequered panel of pale and dark squares let in flush, a stippled shell-and-scroll cartouche carved at each end.

Open it and each half is inlaid in pale wood with fleur-tipped points and an interlaced knot roundel, with side grips, corner dice recesses 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 elephants and inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: two elephants and a calf 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

• Trunks up: both adults raise their trunks as they walk, and the calf keeps pace at the back.
• Pale on dark: the elephants are cut in lighter wood, so the herd stands off the cross-hatched arch.
• Knots inside: an inlaid interlaced roundel in each half beside the points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are they walking trunk to tail? Not quite — the old listing had them linked trunk to tail with the calf in the middle, but the carving shows two adults with trunks raised and the calf last in line. 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.