Hunter and Tiger Backgammon Set with Handle

Hunter and Tiger Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Across his shoulders a bearded hunter hoists a striped tiger on this carved backgammon set — a second big cat lies at his boots, mountains rise behind, inside a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground between leaf scrolls and a rope-and-leaf border. A cut-out carry handle runs through each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Turn the wavy-edged lid over: an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares sits between two leaf-and-grape cartouches, the second handle cut above it.

Inside, an outline map of Georgia with its regions is incised into the middle of each half, drop-shaped points run above and below, a checker trough follows each outer rail beside the grip, and the halves swing on brass-toned hinges. The five 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, medium brown stain with pale wood inlay in the chequered panel, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a bearded hunter lifting a striped tiger across his shoulders, a second cat at his feet, mountains behind, in a rope-rimmed roundel on a stippled ground, leaf scrolls either side and a rope-and-leaf border; leaf-and-grape 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: incised drop-shaped points and an incised outline map of Georgia with regions in each half; checker trough along each outer rail
• Hardware: brass-toned hinges with an ornate one at the centre of the spine
• 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 fight in one roundel: tiger stripes, beard and tunic folds are all cut in relief, the peaks behind them worked lower.
• Georgia under the game: a map of the country with its regions is cut into each half of the playing side.
• Lifts by its own edge: a grip through each half, so the closed board goes under the arm without a bag or strap.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is this Samson and the lion? The old listing called it that, but the carving shows a bearded man in a belted tunic and boots hoisting a striped tiger across his shoulders, a second big cat lying at his feet — a hunter and his tiger. There is no bag: the old copy listed one, but the five 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 carving 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.