Roaring Lion Head Backgammon Set with Handle

Roaring Lion Head Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Jaws wide and mane streaming back, a lion's head in profile fills the rope-bordered roundel of this carved backgammon set, cut in relief over a stippled ground with a lobed panel to either side and a diamond lattice covering the rest of the lid. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Closed the other way, the wooden backgammon board shows an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares between two carved whorl discs, the lattice reaching the scalloped edge.

Twelve pale points a side, each tipped with an inlaid arrow, and an interlaced roundel in the middle of each half make up the playing surface, all set into the dark beech; the rails carry cut-out grips and each corner a dice recess. The set comes with thirty-two wooden checkers and two dice.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, mid-brown stain with pale wood inlays, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: roaring lion head in profile in a rope-bordered roundel, lobed panels and diamond lattice; inlaid chequered panel between two whorl discs on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: pale inlaid points with arrow tips and an interlaced pale-wood roundel in each half; side grips and corner dice recesses
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding beech backgammon board with carry handle
• 32 wooden checkers, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Caught mid-roar: the open jaws, teeth and thrown-back mane are all cut in relief in the one profile.
• A handle on each half: cut through the top edge, so either half lifts the closed board.
• Inlay inside: arrow-tipped points and an interlaced roundel in each half, pale wood in dark beech.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the whole lion carved? Only the head, in profile, filling the roundel — no body. The mane is cut in layered locks and the mouth is open with the teeth showing. Relief carving over stippling on the lid; the points and roundels inside are pale wood inlays.

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 carving with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat surfaces with a dry cloth. Keep the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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