This enormous Kaya goban came to Baduk Club from an antique shop in Kanagawa, Japan. It is likely over 50 years old but in very good condition with clean edges and corners. White wax residue on the board will clean up easily with a cotton cloth or a reapplication of beeswax.
The board is 18.5cm thick and weighs 17.5kg. It has a warm yellow-orange color and a sweet scent - both of these indicators are consistent with Kaya wood. It comes with a protective paulownia lid. Kaya's softness provides a gentle sound when playing stones, in contrast to the sharp sound that comes from hard materials like pine or bamboo.
The playing surface is a traditional lacquer grid. The legs are Katsura, with a warm reddish tone and proud shoulders. There may be information written between the legs and board if you choose to remove them to check.
A plain-sawn board like this produces beautiful end-grain where both players will sit, showing off the growth rings of the tree. This cutting style is called Kiura, and is what we see on the majority of Kaya boards. However, in this case the center of a branch has been included. Thick pith rays are visible, and cracks can form along these, but Kaya boards are cured for 10 before they are made. One of the benefits of a vintage board like this is that it has had decades to reach a stable shape.
Kaya wood is dense, so it is very heavy. Packaged up with the legs and lid, it will likely be just under 50 pounds. The shipping cost is factored into the price and is already included.
Please understand that this is a Vintage item.
Shipping Details:
FedEx International Priority shipping from Japan is already included. You will be responsible for any Tariffs or VAT applied by your country. Please allow a week for packing and Customs preparations. We will email you the tracking number so that you can sign up for shipping notifications, and transit time is usually 5 business days or less.
