Eagle, Lion and Knotwork Backgammon Set with Handle

Eagle, Lion and Knotwork Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A basket-weave ground covers most of this carved backgammon set, with a large interlaced knot disc sunk into it on the left and a panel of leaf scrolls on the right where an eagle perches above a small flower disc and a lion. A cut-out carry handle runs through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

The other outer face of the wooden backgammon board carries a chequered panel with a knot cut into every dark square, framed by two more scroll panels that repeat the eagle, the flower disc and the lion. Every animal and leaf stands in relief over a stippled ground.

Inside, the points are incised teardrops with round tips and a twelve-petal whorl is cut at the centre of each half. Brass hinges join the halves. Thirty-two wooden checkers and a pair of 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 stained, brass hinges
• Carving: interlaced knot disc on a basket-weave ground with an eagle, flower disc and lion in leaf scrolls; chequered panel between two matching scroll panels 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: incised teardrop points with round tips and a whorl at the centre of each half
• Hardware: brass hinges
• 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

• Three textures on one face: basket weave, an interlaced knot disc and leaf scrolls side by side.
• Eagles and lions on both faces: one pair on the knotwork side, two pairs on the chequered side.
• A handle on each half: cut straight through the top edge, so either half lifts the closed board.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the eagle the only animal? No — each scroll panel holds an eagle at the top and a lion at the bottom with a small flower disc between them, three panels in all across the two faces. The old listing named only the eagle. The knot disc and the weave are carved into the same beech slab, not applied.

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 surfaces 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.