602-BK-GB02 Contemporary Master Go board Craftsman Mr.Kumasu made Yakusugi(Yakushima Cedar) table Go board Itame 1.6-Sun(thickness: approx. 50 mm) No.77018F

Contemporary Master Go Board Craftsman Mr. Kumasu – Yakusugi Table Go Board, Itame, 1.6-Sun (approx. 50 mm) Thickness, One-Piece Board.
Crafted from Yakusugi cedar estimated to be over 1,000 years old, this board is especially beautiful in its wood grain.

Although it is not burl material or Moku figured wood, the complex grain patterns unique to Yakusugi display a beauty distinct from that of kaya wood.
The underside bears the calligraphy inscription and seal reading “Yakusugi – Made by Contemporary Master Go Board Craftsman Mr. Kumasu.”
The grid lines are finished in raised tachimori style using high-quality domestic natural urushi lacquer, resulting in a superb finish.
*A paulownia box is included.

This is a rare Yakusugi board specially crafted by Contemporary Master Go Board Craftsman Mr. Kumasu.
While straight grain (masame) is generally preferred for Go boards, Yakusugi yields very little straight-grain material. To highlight its richly varied and beautiful grain patterns and colors, it is sometimes intentionally crafted as an Itame board, utilizing both kiura (wood back) and kiomote (wood face) surfaces.

Yakusugi from Yakushima has been protected from logging since the island was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, making newly sourced material extremely difficult to obtain. It is an exceptionally rare and highly prized wood.
Its complex and delicate grain offers a beauty and elegance that never grows tiresome, and there are devoted Yakusugi collectors around the world.
Although widely known as a premium material for tables and fine furnishings, its beauty and rarity also make it highly valued as a material for Go boards.

*One-of-a-kind item.
*Please refer to the photos.