602-TWC-KS-15 Urushi (Japanese lacquer tree) Go Bowls for size 34 - 40 Go stones GKWRM-SB40-601-01

Characteristics of Urushi (lacquer tree) wood
This material features a bright, strongly yellow-toned color and clearly defined grain, with relatively little color change over time.
Some people worry that urushi may cause skin irritation, but once the wood is fully dried, it does not cause rash in normal use.
However, those with very sensitive skin may prefer to avoid direct contact as a precaution.

Origin of the name “Urushi”
There are several theories about the origin of the name “urushi,” including derivations meaning “dripping sap” (referring to the resin that seeps out when the trunk is cut), “coating sap,” or a phrase meaning “beautiful tree,” referring to its attractive autumn foliage.

Uses of Urushi wood
It is used in items such as yosegi (parquet-style) woodcraft that highlight the natural color of the wood.
Because it resists decay even when exposed to seawater, it was historically used for fishing net floats.
It is also often used in furniture and interior fittings where the natural color of the wood is showcased.

“Moku” (figured grain) refers to distinctive, decorative grain patterns that appear on the surface of wood.
Unlike ordinary straight grain or annual ring patterns, figured grain is created by irregular changes in the wood’s structure that occur naturally during growth, and is often described as nature’s own artwork.
Common types of figured grain include tiger figure, blister figure, burl figure, and bird’s-eye figure, each showing unique expressions such as stripe-like patterns, bubble-like clusters, or complex swirls formed around knots and burls.

Because figured grain cannot be artificially reproduced and results from natural, individual growth conditions, no two patterns are exactly alike, allowing you to enjoy truly one-of-a-kind beauty.
Another appealing feature is how its appearance changes depending on the angle of light, creating a sense of depth and movement.
Due to its rarity and visual richness, figured wood has long been prized for high-end furniture, musical instruments, tea utensils, and fine crafts. In the world of Go and Shogi, it is also used for boards, bowls, and piece boxes, adding special value to each item.
Figured grain, shaped by nature itself, brings unique character and refined elegance to wooden works.

Long-established business founded in Kansei Era (around 1790)
"Kai-shi (懐志)", a long-established woodworking company, was founded in the Kansei era (around 1790).
When the company was first established, it made trays, wooden plates, and other tableware, but later, when it was commissioned to make Go bowls, it became a woodworking company specializing in Go bowls.
The word "Kai-shi (懐志)" expresses their desire to "never forget the techniques handed down from generation to generation and our sincere efforts to make Go bowls, and to carve our thoughts into our own bosom with high aspirations."
Currently, the fourth generation of the family, who has devoted 65 years of his life to making Go bowls, is devoting himself to making Go bowls every day.

The essence of "Kai-shi (懐志)" 4th generation's Go bowls making is to maximize the beauty of the material, wood, and to create Go bowls that combine practicality and artistry.
Facing each material one by one and checking the feel of it in their fingertips and palms, they transform the wood into a Go bowls.
And the proof of this is the engraving of "Kai-shi (懐志)" on the bottom of the Go bowls.

All the tools for making Go bowls are handmade.
All necessary tools are customize.
*Please check the photo images.

• Urushi (Japanese lacquer tree) Go Bowls for size 34 - 40 Go stones
  Product No.：GKWRM-SB40-601-01
  Conformity Go stone for size：size 34 - 40
  Size：Go Bowl / Diameter About 160 mm × Height About 113 mm
  Outer box size: approx. 330 × 180 × 120 mm (H × W × D)
  Weight：Go Bowls / 1 pair About 550 g
  Total Weight / About 800 g
  
• 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.
  

You may find small knots, burrs, rolled-in bark as all these products are made of natural wood materials. There may be some small flaw or scratch, dent, chipping.