605-SPF-SPB16 Mr.Seiji Matsuura made Shima Kuwa [Island mulberry] Shogi pieces Box with figured wood grain Fuki-urushi lacquer finish KMB-SKFK-604-003

The lid is finished in a gentle Ten-Mukuri style, with a slightly rounded top surface.
The bottom bears the seal of the woodworking craftsman "Matsuura."
There are several intergrown-knots on the sides of the box.
*Please check the photos for details.

"Fuki-urushi" is a traditional Japanese lacquering technique in which transparent or lightly tinted urushi (natural lacquer) is applied to bare wood and then wiped off with a cloth.
This process is repeated multiple times to enhance the wood grain, while also adding a natural luster and protective finish.

The "Fuki-urushi" Process
Applying raw lacquer / Refined transparent or lightly tinted urushi (natural lacquer) is applied to the wood surface using a brush.
Wiping with cloth / Excess lacquer is carefully wiped off with a cloth.
Drying under controlled humidity / The piece is placed in a humidity-controlled box called a muro to dry.

This cycle of applying, wiping, and drying is repeated 5 to 10 times, gradually building up a rich luster and deep texture.

Features of "Fuki-urushi"
By wiping off the lacquer, the natural wood grain remains visible, resulting in a beautifully transparent and organic finish.
Repeated applications of lacquer create a deep, rich luster with a sense of depth.
Thanks to the properties of urushi, the surface gains enhanced water and decay resistance, helping to protect the wood.
Over time, the sheen deepens, adding character and charm with age.
Because the lacquer coating is thin, the texture and warmth of the wood can still be felt—one of the key appeals of this finish.

“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.

• Mr.Seiji Matsuura made Shima Kuwa [Island mulberry] Shogi pieces Box Fuki-urushi lacquer finish Moku
  Product No.：KMB-SKFK-604-003
  Size
  External dimensions：About 100mm×100mm×87mm
  Internal dimensions：82mm×82mm×73mm
  Weight：About 190g
  In a paper 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.

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.