5.8-sun Go Floor Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Flat-grain cut (back face)

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Kyushu. Kaya has been used for Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity and the sound it produces when stones are placed. At 5.8 sun thick, this board carries real weight and presence. The grain, the color, and the thickness each hold up well on their own — and together, they make a balanced piece.

About the Construction

This is a single-plank board, cut directly from one log without lamination. The natural character of the wood appears as it is across the entire surface.

About the Wood Grain

This board is cut in itame — flat grain — using the outer face of the log, known as the back face. Unlike straight-grain boards, flat-grain boards show more movement in the grain, expressing the natural character of the wood more freely. The back face has growth rings that face outward, and over time the surface gradually tightens as the board is used.

Color and Aging

The board has a calm, yellow-toned appearance. Kaya naturally deepens toward amber over time, and boards with a yellow base tend to move through that change in a steady, unhurried way. The longer the board is used, the richer the surface becomes.

About the Legs

The legs are carved by hand in the shape of a gardenia fruit. The gardenia in Japanese is kuchinashi — meaning “no mouth.” The shape carries a quiet message: that when two players face each other across the board, no one else should speak. Few craftsmen in Japan still carve these legs by hand.

Choosing This Board

No notable flaws. Grain, color, and thickness in balance. This board comes together in a straightforward, honest way — a floor Go board that is accessible to a wide range of players and collectors. Worth taking the time to consider.

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.