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.
Facetype：Souho-konomi/Souho-gonomi (the script favored by Souho)／
It is said that "Souho-konomi/Souho-gonomi" was developed based on the typeface "Ansei" which was handed down from ancient times.
It is said that "Souho-konomi/Souho-gonomi" is a typeface developed by Okuno Ikkyo based on "Ansei" and named "Souho-konomi" after "Amano Souho," a professional Go player who was called "Kisei" at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868).
Please check the image.
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.
