Striding Lion Backgammon Set with Handle

Striding Lion Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

One forepaw lifted and jaws open, a lion strides across the lid of this carved backgammon set over a band of cracked, sun-baked earth, its mane cut in heavy locks against a finely stippled sky, with a tall acanthus scroll curling in from either side and a rope arch over the cut-out carry handle. Both halves carry a handle. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

On the reverse the scrolls return around a carved chequered panel, every dark square holding a small incised star, with a stippled shell cartouche at each end.

The inside is plain dark wood — points outlined in incised lines with a rounded tip, a whorl cut into the centre of each half, long grips in the rails, a dice recess at every corner and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are included.

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: striding lion over cracked earth between acanthus scrolls on a stippled ground; carved chequered panel with incised stars between shell cartouches 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: incised points with rounded tips and a whorl in each half; long rail 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, beech and walnut
• Dice

Why You'll Love It

• Cracked earth under the paws: the ground is carved as a web of dry fissures, so the lion walks on something real.
• Scrolls for grass: two big acanthus curls stand in for the savannah and frame the stride.
• Stars on the back: each dark square of the chequered face carries its own incised star.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the lion silent? No — the old listing said not roaring, but the carving shows the jaws open as it walks. The inside of this board is carved rather than inlaid, all in the same dark wood. The old copy also listed a carrying bag that is not photographed, so it is not included here.

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 the board out of direct sun and store it closed with the checkers inside.

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