Howling Wolf Backgammon Set with Handle

Howling Wolf Backgammon Set with Handle — Handmade in Armenia

A wolf stands on a rocky outcrop, muzzle raised to howl, in the central rope-rimmed roundel of this wooden backgammon set; two faceted eight-pointed stars flank it in roundels of their own, all on a stippled ground inside a rope-and-leaf border. Each half has a cut-out carry handle. 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ open, handmade in Armenia.

Closed and turned over, the board shows an inlaid chequered panel of pale and dark squares between two carved cartouches of curling leaves and stippled grape clusters, with the second handle cut through the top of this half.

The playing side is incised rather than inlaid: drop-shaped outlined points, a faint eight-pointed star cut into each half, scalloped bar edges, grip slots in the rails and corner troughs, 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 a pale wood chequered inlay, brass-toned hinges
• Carving: a howling wolf on rocks in relief in a rope-rimmed roundel, a faceted eight-pointed star in a roundel on either side, stippled ground 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, an incised eight-pointed star in each half, 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

• Whole wolf, not a head: the animal is carved full length on its rocks, muzzle up, tail down.
• Stars either side: a faceted eight-pointed star in its own roundel balances each end of the lid.
• Chequered reverse: turn it over and a pale-and-dark inlaid panel gives you a second game.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Does the wolf face you, like the other wolf board? No — this one is carved side-on, standing on rocks with its muzzle raised, so the two wolf boards are different designs. 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 wolf and the stippled 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.