Leaping Horse Backgammon Set with Handle

Leaping Horse Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Hooves tucked and tail streaming, a pale wood horse leaps across the arched panel of this carved backgammon set, mane flying, against a dark cross-hatched ground with a tall acanthus scroll on either side and a band of scrollwork under the arch. 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.

On the back the horse is gone and a chequered panel takes over, pale and dark squares set flush with a carved shell cartouche keeping each end company.

Inside are pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid interlaced knot roundel in each half, 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 a pale wood horse and pale inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: leaping horse 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

• Off the ground: all four hooves are clear of the ridge — the horse is caught at the top of the jump.
• Pale on dark: the horse is cut in lighter wood, so it stands off the cross-hatched arch without shading.
• Knots inside: an inlaid interlaced roundel in each half beside the points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the frame an oval? It is an arch — the horse sits under a rope-edged half-round with scrolls at the sides, not a full oval. 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.