Prowling Lion Backgammon Set with Handle

Prowling Lion Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A lion prowls the full width of this carved backgammon set, mane, ribs and raised tail in relief on a cross-hatched ground, a small eight-pointed star above his back, bare trees at either edge and a leaf garland along the foot. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The wooden backgammon set is finished underneath as well — squares of pale and dark wood inlaid as a panel, a leaf-scroll cartouche carved on either side of it.

Inside there are no fleur tips this time: plain inlaid points in pale wood, a large inlaid eight-pointed star in the middle of each half, side grips and brass-toned hinges.

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 inlays inside, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a prowling lion across the lid on a cross-hatched ground, an eight-pointed star, bare trees and a leaf garland; leaf-scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: plain inlaid points and an inlaid eight-pointed star in each half; side grips
• 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
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• One lion, the whole lid: the animal runs edge to edge rather than sitting in a frame, so it reads from across the room.
• Stars inside: an eight-pointed star is inlaid in each half of the playing side, echoing the one above the lion.
• Two handles: a cut-out grip in each half, so the closed board lifts by either edge.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Where is the octagon? There is none. The old title put the lion 'in an octagon star', but the photos show him striding free across the lid with a small eight-pointed star above his back; the only stars are that one and the two inlaid inside. Checkers, dice and bag are not photographed — checkers and dice come from the maker's specification, the bag is not included.

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 relief 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.