3.1-sun Shogi Table Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut ( Item No. 71KST12 )

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya grown in Kumamoto, in central Kyushu. Kaya (Japanese torreya) has long been used for shogi and Go boards. The wood has a gentle resilience. When you place a piece, it makes a clear, crisp sound. Our master craftsman describes this board as “a board from Kumamoto with slightly wild grain.”

About the Construction

This is a single-plank board. It is cut from one log and made into a board without joining any pieces. Because the whole surface is one continuous piece of wood, the flow of grain and color is unbroken. The character of the tree appears directly on the board.

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. On this board, the grain is bold. The width and spacing of the lines vary a little, which gives the surface a slightly wild look. The grain keeps the natural vigor of the tree.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 3.1 sun thick (about 9.4 cm). Sun is a traditional Japanese unit of length; one sun is about 3.03 cm. This is a thick board for a tabletop shogi board. It has a solid presence on a table, and you can feel its weight when you place a piece.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There are no knots on the surface, and the whole board has a light, yellowish 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

A single plank of Kumamoto kaya with bold, slightly wild straight grain. The surface is knot-free and yellowish, and the board is 3.1 sun thick. It suits those who prefer the lively character of the wood to perfectly even grain. Another single-plank tabletop shogi board, made of Shimane kaya and 2.2 sun thick, is also available (Item No. 71KST11).

Included Items

In addition to the presentation box, this board comes with komadai and one copy of “Kaya ni Miserarete” (榧に魅せられて, “Captivated by Kaya”), a book by Ken’ichi Kumasu. Komadai are small stands for holding the pieces captured during a game. Shogi pieces are not included. 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	71KST12
Type	Shogi Table Board
Wood	Kaya
Origin	Kyushu Kaya
Construction	Single Plank
Grain	Straight Grain (Masame)
Thickness	3.1-sun
Color Tone	Yellow
Grain Pattern	Bold
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.