1.5-sun Shogi Table Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut ( Item No. ST27 )

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Kyushu. It has a reddish tone and a fine, even grain, giving it a more refined appearance than average kaya. Kaya has been used for shogi and Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity and distinctive sound when pieces are placed.

About the Construction

This is a single-plank board, cut directly from one log. Unlike laminated boards, the natural character of the wood appears as it is across the entire surface.

About the Straight Grain

This board is cut in masame, or straight grain — a method where the log is cut toward the center, producing parallel lines running along the length of the board. Straight-grain boards are known for their clean, formal appearance and dimensional stability over time.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 1.5-sun thick (approximately 4.5 cm). This is a standard thickness for a table board, giving it a light and responsive feel when placing pieces.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There is a small dark mark on the end grain of the board. This is a natural trace formed as the tree grew. It is visible now, but kaya gradually deepens to a warm amber tone with use, and as the whole surface changes, the contrast with this mark will become less noticeable over time. It is a natural material, and marks like this are part of how the wood grew.

About the Signature

The back of this board carries the signature of Ken’ichi Kumasu, the shop’s owner and the craftsman who made it. It marks this board as one he finished by his own hand, and this is reflected in its price.

Choosing This Board

A reddish, fine grain and a surface with few knots define this board. For those who can accept the dark mark on the end grain as part of the wood’s natural character — together with the craftsman’s signature on the back — it is a board worth considering within its price range.

Each board is one of a kind.
Please contact us before placing an order to confirm availability.
For orders shipped outside Japan, customs duties or local taxes may be charged upon delivery depending on the destination country.