King Tigran and the Dragon Armenian Backgammon Set in Walnut

King Tigran and the Dragon Armenian Backgammon Set in Walnut — Handmade in Armenia

A crowned king stands in his chariot with sword raised and an eternity sign on his shield, a winged horse rearing in the traces and a serpent dragon coiling beneath its hooves, Ararat's twin peaks behind them and grapes, vine leaves and a pomegranate carved round the edge of the lid of this carved Armenian backgammon set — the legend of Tigran and the dragon in walnut. 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm) open, 11.8 × 23.6 in (30 × 60 cm) closed, handmade in Armenia.

The whole scene is cut in relief over a stippled ground, a cut-out carry handle sits in the top edge, and the other outer face of the wooden backgammon board carries a chequered panel between scrolled shell panels. Inside, the walnut field is incised with lattice points and two maps of historic Armenia, Greater Armenia and the kingdom between the seas, every province lettered in Armenian, with carved scalloped rails and a long recess in each corner for the dice.

Checkers in two colours of wood and a pair of dice are in the set, and a clasp at each side on brass hinges keeps the king face out between games.

Specifications

• Size open: 23.6 × 23.6 in (60 × 60 cm)
• Size folded: 23.6 × 11.8 in (60 × 30 cm)
• Material: walnut wood, brass hinges and clasps
• Carving: crowned king in a winged-horse chariot charging a serpent dragon, Ararat, grapes, vine leaves and pomegranate on the lid; chequered panel between shell scrolls on the other face; incised points and two lettered maps of historic Armenia inside
• Checkers: 32 wooden checkers, dark and pale; dice
• Carry handle: cut-out grip through the top edge and both side rails
• Hardware: brass hinges and two side clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

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

Why You'll Love It

• A legend in relief: king, chariot, winged horse and dragon in one carved scene.
• Fruit at the edges: grapes, vine leaves and a pomegranate framing the fight.
• Maps inside: historic Armenia twice over, provinces named in Armenian script.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the scene carved? Yes — the king, the horse's wings, the dragon's scales and the chariot wheel stand in relief over a stippled ground, the mountains sit lower behind them and the fruit is carved almost in the round. The maps and points inside are incised lines in the walnut, not print.

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? Dust the relief with a soft brush and wipe the flat walnut 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.