This large Kaya goban came to Baduk Club from an antique shop in Kagawa, Japan.
The board is 15.5cm thick, and weighs 15kg. It has a warm yellow-orange color and a sweet scent - both of these indicators are consistent with Kaya wood from Southern Kyushu. 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 also Kaya, with a warm oiled tone and clean geometric 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 (itame) is typical of the majority of Kaya boards, producing a flame-like pattern on the surface. On the underside the grain patterns diverge, likely due to the proximity of a branch - this is likely the reason the board is Kiomote instead of Kiura.
Many small cracks have formed along the wood's pith rays, 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. Nevertheless, a discount has been applied for this reason. We would recommend filling the cracks with beeswax.
This is a Vintage item.
Shipping Details:
FedEx International Priority shipping from Japan is already included. We are not responsible for any tariffs or VAT imposed by your home country. Please allow a week for packing and Customs preparations, then we will email you the tracking number so that you can sign up for shipping notifications.
