November 17th, "Shogi Day" Special Shogi pieces craftsman "Yusei 友生" made Mikurajima-hon-tsuge (Mikura Island grown boxwood) Souho-konomi/Souho-gonomi (the script favored by Souho) Engraved and Filled-in Shogi pieces 411-KM-02

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.

Fuji Koma no Kai / Shogi pieces maker's Training Association, run by “Fugetsu,” a Shogi pieces maker based in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
"Yusei 友生" is a Shogi pieces craftsman who learned Shogi pieces making under "Fugetsu", a Shogi pieces craftsman master who is regarded as one of the top five masters of the modern age.

His works show his earnest attitude to research and diligence, and his sincere desire to make pieces that he can be proud of, pieces that will please players, and pieces that are good.
As you can see in the image of the piece, the edges of each piece are firmly beveled, so the piece is not only beautiful, but also fits well in your hand, does not damage the board, and allows you to enjoy the best playing experience.

Shogi pieces craftsman "Yusei 友生" made Mikurajima-hon-tsuge (Mikura Island grown boxwood) Souho-konomi/Souho-gonomi (the script favored by Souho) Engraved and Filled-in Shogi pieces
Product No.：SKM-FK-411-YS02

Shogi pieces in a paulownia flat box

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.