Luxury Carved Mask Backgammon Set in Walnut

Luxury Carved Mask Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

A face looks out of the ornament on this luxury backgammon set: a lion-like mask with a broad nose and heavy brow, its mane pouring outward in looping bands and beaded curls until the whole lid is one flowing knot — carved in relief across a 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ walnut board, handmade in Armenia.

This is the wooden backgammon set that reads two ways: from across the room it is symmetrical scrollwork, from the chair it is a creature. The bands are rounded and undercut where they cross, rows of carved beads run along them like a string of pearls, the ground behind is stippled by hand, and a plain moulded frame holds it in. The far face carries a carved panel between two beaded arches.

Open the clasps and the walnut inside is plain: twelve points a side scored in fine lines with arrow tips, a flower drawn in each half, scalloped rails and a long trough at each end for the checkers and dice.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: walnut wood, oiled finish, with the figure of the grain showing inside
• Carving: lion-like mask with a flowing mane of looped interlace and beaded curls, stippled ground, moulded frame; beaded arches on the far face; line-work points and a flower in each half inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, pale and dark; pair of dice
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding carved walnut backgammon board
• 32 wooden checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• Ornament with a face in it: look twice and the scrollwork becomes a mane and a muzzle.
• Beads and bands: rows of carved pearls follow every loop, each one standing off the ground.
• Walnut inside: the plain striped field, points and flowers scored in line work.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? It is — every band, bead and feature of the mask is relief left standing when the walnut round it was cut back and stippled, the arches on the far face likewise, and the field inside is scored into the wood rather than printed on it. No pressing, no applied parts.

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? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Dust the carving with a soft brush, wipe the flat wood with a dry cloth and store it closed.

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