Roaring Lion and Lattice Oval Backgammon Set with Handle

Roaring Lion and Lattice Oval Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A diamond lattice fills the big oval on the lid of this wooden backgammon set, and at its centre a lion roars in profile, jaws open and mane streaming back in long rays, inside a leaf-chain roundel; a grip is cut through the wavy top edge above it. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

This is the face you show the room. The mane is cut as dozens of long rays fanning back from the head, a stippled ground sets the head off, and the lattice runs right out to the leaf-chain ring of the oval and into the stippled corner spandrels. On the other face the same oval holds a chequered panel with a stamped floret on every pale square.

Inside, drop-shaped points are incised into each half with an eight-petal wheel in an oval ring between them, and the checkers sit in troughs along the rails. Two ornamental hinges join the halves on the spine, two clasps close the front edge, and the board comes with 32 wooden checkers and dice.

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: roaring lion in profile, mane in long rays on a stippled ground, in a leaf-chain roundel at the centre of a diamond-lattice oval with a leaf-chain ring and stippled corner spandrels on a wavy-edged lid; the same lattice oval framing an inlaid chequered panel with stamped florets on the other face; grip cut through both halves
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; dice
• Inside: incised drop-shaped points and an eight-petal wheel in an oval ring in each half; checker troughs along the rails
• Hardware: two ornamental 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
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Lattice edge to edge: the diamonds fill the whole oval, so the lion's roundel reads as a window cut into pattern.
• Two faces: the roaring lion on the lid, a chequered panel with a stamped floret on each pale square on the reverse.
• Carry it closed: the grip is cut through both halves and the two front clasps hold the board shut.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the lattice carved into the wood? Yes — the diamonds are cut into the lid, and the lion's mane rays and the stippled ground stand in relief; the close-up shows the depth. The six 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 lattice and the mane with a soft dry brush and wipe the flat faces with a dry cloth. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat, and close both clasps before lifting the board by the grip.

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