Stalking Lion Backgammon Set with Lobed Cartouche and Handle

Stalking Lion Backgammon Set with Lobed Cartouche and Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Head down and shoulders up, a lion stalks across rocky ground on the lid of this carved backgammon set, mane in ridged locks, in relief on a cross-hatched field inside a rope-rimmed lobed cartouche, with leaf scrolls, a leaf-chain border and an oval grip cut through the wavy top edge. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Turn it over and the chequered grid is cut straight into the dark wood, the alternate squares stamped with tiny punched flowers rather than inlaid in a second colour; a carved grape-and-leaf cartouche fills each side, the grip sits above and two small brass-toned clasps close the front.

Open, the playing side is left plain apart from the points — drop shapes incised into each half with a small ring at every tip — with scalloped bar edges, troughs along the rails and corners and two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, dark red-brown stain, brass-toned hinges and clasps; no pale wood inlay on this board
• Carving: stalking lion on rocky ground, in relief on a cross-hatched field inside a rope-rimmed lobed cartouche, leaf scrolls either end and a leaf-chain border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking a carved chequered grid with punched squares on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised ring-tipped drop-shaped points, plain field with no central motif; scalloped bar edges, rail and corner troughs
• Hardware: two plain brass-toned hinges on the spine, two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with cut-out handle
• 32 wooden checkers
• Two dice

Why You'll Love It

• On the move: the lion is carved mid-stalk over rocks, not sitting for a portrait — the old copy had it calm and still.
• One colour throughout: lid, reverse and playing side are all the same dark-stained beech; the chequered squares are punched, not inlaid.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How does it differ from the other lion boards? This one has the lion in a pointed, rope-rimmed cartouche rather than a round roundel, and its chequered side is carved and punched in one wood. The four photos show the board alone; checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification, and there is no bag.

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 mane, the rocks and the punched squares with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting it by the grip.

Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.