Two Lions and Star Backgammon Set with Handle

Two Lions and Star Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Two lions face each other across the lid of this carved backgammon set, each on its own hillock, an eight-pointed star raised between them and leaf scrolls curling round the pair on a cross-hatched ground. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Underneath, pale and dark squares are let into the reverse as a panel, and a leaf-scroll cartouche is carved at each end of it, so the closed wooden backgammon set has two finished faces.

The playing side keeps the star: one is inlaid in each half between plain pale inlaid points, with 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: two lions face to face on hillocks with an eight-pointed star between them, leaf scrolls, on a cross-hatched ground; 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

• Mirrored pair: the two lions are carved as equals, one each side of the star, neither larger than the other.
• Star carried inside: the eight-pointed star between the lions is inlaid again in each half of the playing side.
• Two handles: a cut-out grip in each half, so the closed board lifts by either edge.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is there an octagon? No — the old title called it an octagon, but the shape between the lions is an eight-pointed star, and the same star is inlaid inside. The five photos show the board only: checkers and dice come from the maker's specification, and the carrying bag in the old copy is not photographed and 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 away from direct sun and radiators; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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