Saint George Backgammon Set with Handle

Saint George Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Horse rearing and lance driven into the dragon beneath its hooves, Saint George takes the whole lid of this Georgian backgammon set, the scene carved in relief across a cross-hatched ground inside a broad cartouche of leaf scrolls. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

The reverse is carved rather than inlaid: a chequered panel where every other square is stamped with a ring of small flowers, all in the same dark wood, between two cartouches of curling leaves and stippled grape clusters.

Inside, the playing side is kept plain — incised teardrop points with ringed tips, scalloped bar edges, grip slots in the rails and corner troughs, on brass-toned hinges. The six photos show the board alone.

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, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: Saint George on horseback spearing the dragon, in relief on a cross-hatched ground inside a leaf-scroll cartouche; a stamped chequered panel between leaf-and-grape cartouches on the other face
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers; two dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge of both halves
• Inside: incised teardrop points with ringed tips, scalloped bar edges, grip slots and corner troughs
• 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

• The whole legend on one lid: rider, rearing horse, lance and dragon in a single relief panel, not a small roundel.
• Carved both sides: the reverse chequerboard is cut and stamped in the same wood, no contrasting inlay.
• Handle in each half: the old copy never mentioned it — the board lifts by a cut-out grip on either face.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the chequered side inlaid in pale wood? No — on this board it is carved and stamped in the same dark wood, which is why it reads as texture rather than contrast. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the six photos show the board only, and the checkers and dice are listed from the maker's specification.

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 rider and the cross-hatched ground 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.