Shogi Pieces by Shūraku — Horiume, Mikurajima Boxwood, "Mine" Script

A full set of hand-carved shogi pieces by the Nagasaki maker Shūraku in Mikurajima boxwood, lacquer-filled horiume technique, "Mine" calligraphy. One set, new, from a specialist go-and-shogi board dealer in Japan.

Serious shogi pieces are judged on three things: the wood, the carving and the hand. The wood here is Mikurajima tsuge — boxwood from the island of Mikurajima south of Tokyo, the densest and most prized Japanese boxwood, in a mix of straight (masame) and flat (itame) grain. The technique is horiume: each character is carved into the face and the cut filled flush with lacquer, so the piece reads as crisp black calligraphy on a perfectly smooth surface — the step between everyday engraved pieces and the raised-lacquer moriage sets used at title matches. The script is Mine, a bold, legible style favored by players. Shūraku's work is known for consistent character placement across the set and a glass-like finish that only improves with handling.

Details

• Maker: Shūraku (秀楽), Nagasaki · Technique: horiume (carved and lacquer-filled)
• Wood: Mikurajima boxwood (御蔵島黄楊), mixed straight and flat grain · Script: Mine (峰)
• Full set of 40 pieces plus 2 spare pawns · Flat paulownia storage box (hirabako)
• Condition: New · Single set

Watch: how master shogi pieces are made

A shogi-piece maker in Sanjō, Niigata at work, from UX Niigata TV. The video follows a raised-lacquer moriage set; this set is horiume, the carve-and-fill stage that moriage builds on. (A general craft video — not this maker.)

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm the set is still available with the dealer within one business day; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Boxwood is not a CITES-listed species. Pieces only — board not included.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.