Stag, Doe and Fawn Backgammon Set with Handle

Stag, Doe and Fawn Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

Three deer stand in the arched panel of this carved backgammon set — an antlered stag, a doe with her head turned and a fawn at her side — each cut in pale wood against a dark cross-hatched ground, with an acanthus scroll curling in from each side and a band of scrollwork below. A cut-out carry handle passes through the top edge of each half. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″ open, 30 × 60 cm folded, handmade in Armenia.

Flip the closed board and the deer are replaced by a chequered panel — light and dark squares let in flush — with the same shell-and-scroll cartouche carved at either end.

The playing side is inlaid too: fleur-tipped points in pale wood and a knot roundel of interlaced bands in each half, then long grips in the rails, a dice recess at every corner and brass-toned hinges. Thirty-two beech and walnut checkers and dice are in the box.

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 with pale wood deer and inlays, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: stag, doe and fawn in pale wood on a cross-hatched arched panel between acanthus scrolls; shell-and-scroll cartouches flanking an inlaid chequered panel 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: pale inlaid points with fleur tips and an inlaid interlaced knot roundel in each half; side 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

• Three, not two: stag, doe and fawn — the whole family, each animal cut in pale wood against the dark arch.
• Antlers in the clear: the stag's rack is cut free of the ground, every tine separate.
• Knots inside: an inlaid interlaced roundel in each half beside the points.

Good to Know Before You Buy

How many deer are there? Three — the old listing said a pair, but the arch holds a stag, a doe and a fawn. They are carved in pale wood on a cross-hatched arch with scrolls at the sides, not in an oval. 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.