Perched Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle

Perched Eagle Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

An eagle sits on a rock at the centre of this carved backgammon set, wings folded and head turned to the side, cut in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, with leaf scrolls either side, a rope border and an oval grip through the top of the wavy-edged lid. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Underneath, an inlaid chequered panel in two tones of wood runs between a pair of carved cartouches — stippled grape clusters with curling leaves — with the grip cut below and two small brass-toned clasps on the front edge.

Open it and the points are incised as arrow-headed spears, a petalled wheel is cut into the middle of each half, the bar edges are scalloped, troughs run along the rails and corners, and two plain brass-toned hinges hold the spine.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges and clasps
• Carving: eagle perched on a rock with folded wings, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a rope-rimmed roundel, leaf scrolls either side and a rope border on a wavy-edged lid; grape-and-leaf cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel on the other face; oval grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Inside: incised arrow-headed points and an incised petalled wheel in each half; 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

• At rest, not in flight: the eagle is carved perched with its wings closed, feathers layered down the back, on a rock cut beneath its talons.
• Spear points: the points inside are incised as arrow-headed spears rather than plain drops.
• Carry it closed: the oval grip runs through both halves and the clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Which way does the eagle face? Head turned to the right, body three-quarters on, perched on a rock — the whole bird, not a head. The five 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 feathers, the scrolls and the cross-hatched ground 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.