Lion and Wolf Carved Backgammon Set with Carry Handle — Handmade in Armenia
A lion roars in profile from the roundel on one face of this carved backgammon set and a wolf snarls back from the other, each head cut in deep relief with its mane or ruff bristling, a small cast bronze lion head set into a roundel on either flank and a diamond lattice covering the rest of the lid under a cut-out carry handle. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm / 11.8″ × 23.6″ closed, handmade in Armenia.
Stitched rope rings frame all six roundels of the wooden backgammon board, and the handle cut-out runs through both halves. Inside, the dark-stained field is inlaid with points in two pale tones and a broad ringed disc of floral bands in each half, with carved scalloped rails at the ends and a long recess in each corner for the dice.
Both beasts stay face out on the shelf thanks to a clasp on each side and brass hinges; the two-colour wooden checkers and dice are in the box.
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; cast bronze lion-head discs, brass hinges and clasps
- Carving: lion-head roundel on one face, wolf-head roundel on the other, four small cast bronze lion heads in flanking roundels, diamond lattice ground; pale inlaid points and ringed 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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Two beasts: the lion roars on one face, the wolf snarls on the other.
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Bronze on the flanks: small cast lion heads set into the roundels beside each portrait.
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Carry it by the lid: a cut-out handle runs through both halves.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Are the heads carved? Yes — the lion and the wolf stand in deep relief over a stippled ground inside stitched rings, and the lattice is cut line by line. The four small heads on the flanks are cast bronze inlays; 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.
