2-sun Go Table Board – Kumamoto Kaya, 3-piece laminated, Straight-grain cut ( Item No. 71KGT16 )

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya that grew deep in the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, in central Kyushu. Kaya (Japanese torreya) has long been used for Go and shogi boards. The wood has a gentle resilience. When you place a stone, it makes a soft, clear sound. Our master craftsman describes this board as “a board with a deep character, grown deep in the mountains of Kumamoto.”

About the Construction

This is a three-piece laminated board. Three planks are joined to form one playing surface. The planks are chosen so that their grain and color match. Large kaya logs are rare. Joining planks is a traditional way to make full use of this valuable wood.

About the Straight Grain

The board is cut in masame, or straight grain. In this cut, the log is sawn toward its center, so the grain lines run straight and parallel across the surface. Our craftsman also describes the grain of this board as “fine and beautiful.” The closely spaced lines run quietly across the surface.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 2 sun thick (about 6.1 cm). Sun is a traditional Japanese unit of length; one sun is about 3.03 cm. This is a standard thickness for a tabletop Go board. It is easy to carry, set out, and put away. When you place a stone, you can feel the soft response typical of kaya.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There are no knots on the surface, and the whole board has a reddish tone. With use, kaya slowly deepens to a warm amber color. As a natural material, its color and character will continue to change gradually over the years.

About the Presentation Box

This board was made to mark the 71st anniversary of Kumasu Go Board Studio. It comes with its own kenjōbako (献上箱), a traditional wooden presentation box used to store and present fine boards. Whether given as a gift or kept for yourself to mark a milestone, the board can be received in its box just as it is.

Choosing This Board

Mountain-grown Kumamoto kaya, with a knot-free reddish surface and fine straight grain. It is a three-piece board, 2 sun thick. It suits everyday games and replaying game records. As one of the studio’s 71st anniversary boards, it is also worth considering as a gift. A Kumamoto kaya three-piece board, 2.15 sun thick, is also available (Item No. 71KGT15).

Included Items

In addition to the presentation box, this board comes with one copy of “Kaya ni Miserarete” (榧に魅せられて, “Captivated by Kaya”), a book by Ken’ichi Kumasu. The book records the work of three generations of craftsmen and their thoughts on kaya. Please note that the book is written in Japanese.

Item	Details
Item No	71KGT16
Type	Go Table Board
Wood	Kaya
Origin	Kumamoto Kaya
Construction	3-Piece Laminated
Grain	Straight Grain (Masame)
Thickness	2-sun
Color Tone	Red
Grain Pattern	Fine
Knots	None

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.