Two Rearing Horses Backgammon Set with Handle

Two Rearing Horses Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

One dark horse and one pale horse rear at each other inside an arched panel on this carved backgammon set, a small sunburst above them, leaf scrolls curling up either side and a scroll band beneath their hooves, on a cross-hatched ground. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm, handmade in Armenia.

The two horses are the only pale-and-dark contrast on the lid; the reverse of the wooden backgammon set is finished with an inlaid chequered panel between two leaf-scroll cartouches.

Inside, a knotwork roundel of interlaced leaves is inlaid in each half between fleur-tipped inlaid points, with side grips, corner dice recesses 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 one horse and the inlays in pale wood, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: two rearing horses face to face, one dark and one pale, in an arched panel with a sunburst above, leaf scrolls and a scroll band, 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: inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid knotwork roundel in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• 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

• Dark against pale: the two horses are carved in different woods, so the pair reads as two sides before a game starts.
• Arched, not oval: the horses stand under a sunburst in an arch, framed by leaf scrolls.
• Two handles: a cut-out grip in each half, so the closed board lifts by either edge.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Are the checkers and dice pictured? No — the five photos show the board only, so the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification. The carrying bag in the old copy is not photographed and is not included. The old copy also missed that one horse is dark and the other pale, and the inlaid roundels inside.

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 out of direct sun and away from heat; store it closed with the checkers inside.

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