Howling Wolf Backgammon Set with Handle

Howling Wolf Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Muzzle to the sky on a rocky outcrop, a wolf howls across the lid of this carved backgammon set — no rope roundel here, but a wide oval of stippled ground framed by flame-like leaves that lick up towards an oval grip cut through the wavy top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse keeps to the family pattern: an inlaid chequered panel of pale and darker squares between two carved cartouches of stippled grapes and curling leaves, with the grip cut above it and two small brass-toned clasps at the front.

The inside is line work on dark wood: a wheel of long pointed petals cut into the middle of each half, drop-shaped points above and below it, the bar edges scalloped, troughs along the rails and corners, two ornamental brass-toned hinges joining the halves.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: howling wolf on a rocky outcrop in relief inside a wide stippled oval, flame-like leaf frame with scrolled corners on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an incised pointed-petal wheel in each half; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two ornamental brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• Flame frame: instead of a roundel the scene sits in an open oval edged with flame-shaped leaves — rarer in this range.
• Howling, not lurking: the wolf is carved head-up on its rock, the fur cut in short strokes down the neck and flank.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the wolf grey? It is the same stained beech as the rest of the lid — 'grey wolf' was the old title, not a colour on the board. The five photos show the board alone; checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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 wolf, the stippled oval and the flame leaves with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

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