603-BK-9RGB03 Contemporary Master Go board Craftsman Mr.Kumasu made Yakusugi(Yakushima Cedar) table 9-ro Go board Itame Moku 1.7-Sun(thickness: approx. 45 mm) No.77025F

This Go board is crafted from Yakusugi cedar, a very rare material for Go boards, and was made by Modern Master Craftsman Kenichi Kumasu.
*This is a 9x9 Go board. Compared with a standard 19x19 board, both the length and width are approximately 245 mm shorter.
Because a 9x9 board keeps the same thickness while the overall size becomes roughly one-quarter of a standard 19x19 board, it retains a solid thickness and impressive weight.
Although this board is not made from burl or figured wood, the intricate and complex grain patterns unique to Yakusugi give it a distinctive beauty different from Kaya boards.
Normally, straight grain (masame) is considered ideal for Go boards. However, Yakusugi rarely produces straight-grain lumber, and to highlight its richly varied grain and color, boards are sometimes intentionally crafted using itame (flat-sawn grain, either heart side or bark side).
The underside bears the calligraphy and seal certifying the work of Modern Master Craftsman Kenichi Kumasu: “Yakusugi – Made by Modern Master Craftsman Kenichi Kumasu.”
The grid lines are finished using the traditional Tachimori technique with high-quality domestic natural urushi lacquer, resulting in a superb finish.

There are small natural indentations and minor marks on the top and the cutting sides derived from the material itself.
*Please check the photos for details.
Yakusugi contains a high amount of natural oil, and resin may occasionally appear on the surface. If this occurs, gently wipe it with a dry cloth.

Mr. Kenichi Kumasu, a Go board craftsman based in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, was recognized as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Japanese government on November 8, 2019.
This prestigious title is awarded to individuals with outstanding skills and achievements in various fields, including traditional crafts and performing arts.

Go board made of Yakusugi (cedar) (over 1,500-year-old cedar trees grown on Yakushima Island, Japan), are so beautiful and graceful with their intricate and elaborate grain patterns that there are serious "Yakusugi collectors" all over the world.
Since Yakushima Island has been registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, logging has been prohibited and the quantity of Yakusugi trees on the market is quite limited, making them extremely difficult to obtain.
The color of Yakusugi (cedar) wood is reddish-brown.
It is a very beautiful wood with its unique aroma and intricate grain patterns including moku (figure) and kobu (burl).

“Moku” refers to distinctive and decorative grain patterns that appear on the surface of wood.
Unlike ordinary annual rings or straight grain, these patterns are formed by irregular changes in the wood’s structure during the tree’s growth. Because they occur naturally and unpredictably, they are often described as works of art created by nature.
Representative types of figured grain include tiger grain (toramoku), bubble grain (awamoku), burl grain (kobumoku), and pearl grain (tamamoku). Each displays its own unique character, such as tiger-like stripes, bubble-like patterns, or complex forms created by burls.
Figured grain cannot be artificially created. Since it appears through unique natural conditions in each tree, no two patterns are ever exactly the same, allowing you to enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind beauty.
Another appealing characteristic is the way the grain changes depending on how light strikes the surface, creating depth and a sense of three-dimensional richness.
Because of their rarity and beauty, woods with figured grain have long been prized for high-end furniture, musical instruments, tea ceremony utensils, and fine crafts.
In the world of Go and Shogi as well, they are used for Go boards, Go bowls, and piece boxes, adding a special sense of value and distinction.
Figured grain, carved by nature itself, gives wooden works a unique character and refined elegance.

• Contemporary Master Go board Craftsman Mr.Kumasu made Yakusugi(Yakushima Cedar) table 9-ro Go board Itame Moku 1.4-Sun
  Product No.：No.77025F
  Size：214 mm × 202 mm × 45 mm
  Weight：About 0.7 kg
  Certificate Included


• 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 trees.
There may be some small flaw or scratch, dent, chipping.