Lion's Head Backgammon Set in Scrollwork, Classic Outline

Lion's Head Backgammon Set in Scrollwork, Classic Outline by Hrachya Ohanyan

A lion's head in high relief — the mane cut strand by strand — on a punched ground between two acanthus scrolls, in a lobed panel with a rope border. This is the 60 cm / 23.6″ wooden backgammon set made by Hrachya Ohanyan, classic outline. Handmade in beech, 32 checkers, dice and a carrying bag.

This is the board for the study, the barber's shop and the father who wanted something with a face on it. The head is the whole show: mane in thick strands radiating off the cheeks, the nose and jowls rounded, the eyes set under a heavy brow, all standing well off a ground punched into tiny stars so the relief throws a shadow. Either side, a big C-scroll of acanthus curls out to the corner in the same relief, and a twisted rope runs the rim.

Open, the field is stained walnut brown with the points left pale in turn, each tipped with a small drop, a petal wheel drawn on each half and plain brass hinges on the bar; the back carries a chequerboard of pale and stained squares between two more scrolls. For the first proper board, the man who has everything, and the player who likes an audience.

Specifications

• Size open: 60 × 60 cm / 23.6″ × 23.6″
• Size folded: 60 × 30 cm / 23.6″ × 11.8″
• Material: beech wood, stained walnut brown and varnished, the pale points left bare
• Carving: a lion's head in high relief — mane in strands, rounded muzzle, heavy brow — on a hand-punched star-stipple ground between two acanthus C-scrolls in relief, in a lobed panel with a twisted-rope border; two acanthus scroll panels either side of a chequerboard of pale and stained squares on the back; pale drop-tipped points and a petal wheel in line work on each half inside
• Outline: Classic — a square frame with a moulded rim
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: entirely handmade by Hrachya Ohanyan

What's Included

• Hand-carved backgammon board with the lion's head in relief
• 32 beech and walnut checkers
• Dice set
• Black carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A face, not a pattern: most carved lids carry ornament; this one carries a portrait — a lion looking straight out of the board, with a mane in real relief you can run a thumb across.
• Scrollwork on both covers: the acanthus scrolls that frame the lion carry on round the back, so the closed board is carved on every face you can see.
• Make it theirs: add a name or a date at checkout to mark a birthday, a retirement or years of games together.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the lion really carved? Yes — in high relief. The head and the mane stand off the lid, cut strand by strand, and the ground behind them is punched by hand into a field of tiny stars; the acanthus scrolls beside it are the same relief. The petal wheels and points inside are cut into the surface, and the board is stained walnut brown and varnished. Nothing is printed or applied.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free to the US, Canada and Europe, always tracked; other countries pay a flat $100 (Brazil, Chile and New Zealand $200). Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.

How do I look after it? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed in its carrying bag.

About the Artist - Hrachya Ohanyan

National Master Hrachya Ohanyan began his fine woodcraft in 1985 and founded his workshop in Yerevan in 2010. This board belongs to his collection of wooden backgammon sets, each one made by hand by the craftspeople of that workshop. Read Hrachya Ohanyan's story or explore the full backgammon collection.

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