3.4-sun Shogi Table Board – Aya National Forest Kaya, Single-piece, Flat-grain cut (back face) ( Item No. ST33 )

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya grown in the Aya National Forest, near Ayacho in Miyazaki. Wood from this forest is rare, and it has long been valued as a material for shogi and Go boards. The grain is fine, and the board has a reddish tone.

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 Back-Grain Face

This board uses flat grain, specifically the back face of the log, the side closer to the bark. Flat grain shows a wavier pattern than straight grain, giving the surface a bolder, more expressive character.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There are cracks at both ends of the board. These cracks developed some time ago and are not expected to spread further. There are also faint marks on the side of the board, left by moisture that entered the wood at some point. Kaya gradually deepens to a warm amber tone with use, and as the whole surface changes, the contrast between these marks and the surrounding wood quietly fades. It is a natural material, after all. Something is always there.

Choosing This Board

Fine grain, a warm reddish tone, and a surface with few knots. For those who can accept the cracks at both ends and the marks on the side, this board is 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.