Fisherman in a Boat Backgammon Set with Handle

Fisherman in a Boat Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Rod bent over the water, a hatted fisherman stands in his rowing boat on this carved backgammon set — a bank of reeds behind him, rippled water below, rushes rising at both sides of an arched cartouche on a lattice ground. A cut-out carry handle passes through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Underneath, the wavy-edged board carries an incised chequered panel of flower-stamped squares between two carved leaf scrolls, the second grip cut through the top edge above it.

Inside, the points are incised as slim drops with round tips, a trough for the checkers runs along each outer rail beside the grip, and the halves fold on brass-toned hinges with an ornate one at the centre of the spine. The six photos show the board alone.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, red-brown stain, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a fisherman in a hat standing in a rowing boat with a bent rod, reed bank behind and rippled water below, rushes framing an arched cartouche on a lattice ground, wavy-edged lid; an incised flower-stamped chequered panel between leaf scrolls on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points with round tips, a checker trough along each outer rail
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges — an ornate one at the centre of the spine and two small ones at its ends
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• A scene, not a symbol: boat, rod, reeds and every ripple are cut into the lid — the one board in the range with a man simply at work.
• Water that reads as water: the ripples are carved as long curling strokes, so the surface moves when the light does.
• Carried by its own edge: a grip is cut through both halves, so the closed board lifts without a bag or strap.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is he casting a net? No — he holds a rod, bent towards the water, and stands in a small rowing boat. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the six photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 ripples, reeds and the lattice ground with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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