Shogi pieces craftsman "Sou-getsu 宗月" made Mikurajima-hon-tsuge (Mikura Island grown boxwood), Masame, Shokko-sho (Shokko script), Filled-in Decorative Techniques Shogi pieces SHK-SG510-01

Materials : Mikurajima-hon-tsuge (Mikura Island grown boxwood) / Mikurajima is an island located in the central part of the Izu Islands (an area with many islands of various sizes) in Tokyo, Japan.
The quality of tsuge grown in the unique soil and climate is perfect for making shogi pieces.
Mikurajima Island is the most highly regarded tsuge producing area along with the Satsuma region of Kagoshima Prefecture, that produces Satsuma tsuge.
The hontsuge grown on Mikurajima Island is the best material for shogi pieces in terms of the color, luster, touch, weight, and texture of the wood.

Wood grain : Masame /
”Masame” is a wood grain that runs vertically straight across a Shogi pieces.
It does not have the flamboyance of tiger spots or root grain, but it has the elegance of straight grain, and its hardness and good pointing characteristics make it a popular choice for many people who prefer straight grain.

Script ： Shokko-sho / This is a deeply carved calligraphic style created through the life-devoting efforts of the eighth-generation Komaken.
In particular, the characters for Gyokushō / Ōshō and Tokin are distinctive features of this style.

Shogi pieces types : Engraved and Filled-in Shogi pieces /

After the artisan carefully engraves each character by hand, the engraved part is filled in with lusted Japanese lacquer.
After drying, the surface of the pieces are polished and finished.
The surface of the Shogi pieces are smooth touch to ensure flatness.
At first glance, the piece's character looks like just writing, but each character is actually engraved and then filled with lusted Japanese lacquer.
As the engraved shapes appear on the surface as they are, this technique requires a high level of engraving skill.
Although it is not as expensive as moriage (Embossed) Shogi pieces, this is also highly valued and priced relatively higher.
*The "Production Process of Shogi pieces" can be check in the image.

Kashoku (Decorative Techniques) / Kashoku (Decorative Techniques) refers to ornamental techniques applied to enhance the beauty and presence of shogi pieces.
Using various methods—such as lacquer, gold or silver powder, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and gold leaf—the characters and surfaces of the pieces are given an elegant and refined brilliance.
Through the skilled craftsmanship of the artisan, each piece gains the radiance of a true work of art, making it highly valued not only for play but also for display and appreciation.

Nashiji-urushi /
Nashiji-urushi is a traditional lacquer technique in which fine gold or silver powder is mixed into the lacquer, giving the surface a delicate, pear-skin-like shimmer.
Its refined, understated luster enhances the characters on the shogi pieces, adding a sense of depth, elegance, and luxury.
This technique embodies the artisan’s skill and sensitivity, creating a calm yet radiant beauty.
“Nashiji-urushi” is one of the lacquer techniques used within the broader category of decorative finishing (kashoku) described above.

"Fuji Koma no Kai" (Shogi Pieces Craftsman Association) /
The Shogi Craftsman Training Association is organized by "Fugetsu," a Shogi craftsman based in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

"So-getsu 宗月" is a piece craftsman who learned piece making under "Fugetsu," a piece craftsman who is regarded as one of the top five masters of the modern age.

Komashi “Sou-getsu” is an artisan dedicated to creating beautiful shogi pieces finished with techniques such as fuki-urushi (wiped lacquer), decorative embellishment, and maki-e, all crafted to enhance the player’s enjoyment.
In exploring the question, “What makes a truly good piece?”, he sought the perspectives of fellow craftsmen and professional shogi players. This pursuit led him to focus on the sound the pieces produce and the comfortable, natural feel in the hand, ultimately devoting himself to the question, “What is a piece that produces a truly good sound?”
He selects his wood with meticulous care, measuring factors such as air-dry density, density, specific gravity, grain orientation, wood section, and weight. Through this thorough evaluation, he creates shogi pieces with an uncompromising commitment to the sound they make when played—a defining principle of his craftsmanship.

• Shogi pieces craftsman "Sou-getsu 宗月" made Mikurajima-hon-tsuge (Mikura Island grown boxwood), Masame, Shokko-sho (Shokko script), Filled-in Decorative Techniques Shogi pieces
  Product No.：SHK-SG510-01
  Shogi pieces in a paulownia flat box
  *Includes 2 extra pawn pieces ("amari-fu").
• 1,000 JPY flat rate shipping within Japan, free shipping for purchases totaling 20,000 JPY or more.
  Please bear the actual cost for shipping charges outside Japan.