This goban came to Baduk Club from a refurbisher in Kanagawa, Japan. A maker's mark on the cloth cover indicates that it was originally crafted in Fukuoka.
The board is a single-piece, cut in the Plain-sawn style (Kiura Itame). This cutting style shows off the endgrain where you will sit, so you can view the beautiful growth rings. The sides feature straight lines, and the playing surface is unique like a fingerprint. This is an ideal cut when the tree is not large enough to be quarter-sawn or rift-sawn.
The wavy growth rings are unmistakeably Kaya. This is Hyuga Kaya from southern Japan, and it carries the unique sweet scent of that wood. Another high quality indicator is the deep grooves of the feet, which are also Kaya. It has a raised lacquer grid (tachimori style) in excellent shape. White wax residue is visible on the ends, which is a good sign - this can easily be cleared up with a cotton cloth or a fresh application of paste wax.
The edges are good, but small impacts have affected some corners. Some cracks exist, but Kaya boards are cured for 10 years before being shaped, so it will not change shape much. Still, the board should be cared for so that more cracks do not develop along the wood's pith rays.
The board comes with a cloth cover and protective paulownia lid. With the resin cured in the board, it weighs over 15kg. A large portion of the cost is shipping, as the overall package will weigh 20kg.
Shipping Details:
Airmail shipping from Japan with FedEx International Priority is already included, there will be no additional fee at checkout. Please allow one week for handling, then we will email you a tracking number that you can use to sign up for notifications.
