Chinen Shogi Pieces, Mikurajima Boxwood, Carved Eigetsu Script, Paulownia Box

A full set of carved shogi pieces by koma-shi Chinen in Mikurajima boxwood, inscribed in the bold Eigetsu script.

Japanese boxwood (hon-tsuge) is the classic material for fine shogi pieces, and boxwood from Mikurajima, a small island south of Tokyo, is the most prized. As the dealer explains, it holds more natural resin and a tighter grain than Satsuma boxwood, giving a deeper lustre that grows richer with years of play. These are hori-goma, with each character cut into the face by hand, and every piece has been chamfered (mentori) at the edges for a softer look and feel. The Eigetsu script has a strong, sharp, distinctly masculine character, most visible in the 龍 (dragon) piece. The set comes in a paulownia flat box.

Details

• Maker: Chinen (稚念)
• Material: Mikurajima boxwood (御蔵島産本黄楊)
• Type: carved pieces (彫駒), chamfered edges
• Script: Eigetsu (鋭月書)
• Box: paulownia flat box (桐平箱)
• Condition: new

Watch: Mikurajima boxwood for shogi pieces

An Asahi Shimbun report on Mikurajima island's boxwood and its use for the finest shogi pieces. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.