Lion and Spider Webs Carved Backgammon Set with Carry Handle — Handmade in Armenia
A lion stares out of the roundel on this carved backgammon set, mane cut strand by strand, with a spider web spun into each upper corner, its spider on the strands, acanthus scrolls curling between and a diamond lattice filling the lower corners; a cut-out carry handle sits in the top edge above the lion. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.
Flip the wooden backgammon board and an oval cartouche on the second face frames a chequered panel of pale and dark squares, lattice all round it, with the handle cut-out running through both halves. The interior is dark-stained, the points inlaid in two pale tones, a target of pale rings set into each half, scalloped rails carved at the ends and a long recess in every corner for the dice.
A clasp at each side and brass hinges keep the lion face out on the shelf; the wooden checkers, dark and pale, and the dice come with it.
Specifications
- Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
- Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
- Material: beech wood in a dark stained finish, with pale inlaid points inside; brass hinges and clasps
- Carving: lion-head roundel, spider webs with spiders in the two upper corners, acanthus scrolls and lattice below on the lid; chequered oval panel on a lattice ground on the other face; pale inlaid points and target discs inside
- Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
- Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge and both side rails
- Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
- Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia
What's Included
- Folding backgammon board with carry handle
- 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale
- Dice
Why You'll Love It
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The lion: a full-face head in deep relief, mane and muzzle cut strand by strand.
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Webs in the corners: fine radial threads with a spider on each, cut into the wood.
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Carry it by the lid: a cut-out handle runs through both halves.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Is the lion carved? Yes — the head stands in deep relief inside its ring, the webs are cut as fine raised threads over a stippled ground and the scrolls and lattice are worked line by line. The points and discs inside are pale wood let into the dark field.
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? Dust the relief and lattice with a soft brush and wipe the flat wood 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.
