Vintage Japanese Go Board, Kaya Wood, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-059-2

Japanese Go-ban Go Board | Vintage Game Table & Wabi-Sabi Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-059-2

A substantial solid-wood go-ban with classically carved legs -- a rare collector's piece for Go enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese antique decor alike.

A go-ban is the traditional Japanese board used for playing Go, one of the world's oldest and most revered strategy games. The finest go-ban were carved from a single thick slab of kaya wood -- prized above all other species for its warm honey-gold color, tight straight grain, and the clear, resonant "ping" sound produced when a stone is placed upon it. This Late Showa example is a handsome floor-standing go-ban of generous thickness, milled from what appears to be kaya wood, displaying the characteristic warm amber tone and fine parallel grain that collectors prize. The playing surface carries the full 19x19 grid with precisely incised lines and clearly marked star points (hoshi), while the underside features a traditional pyramid-shaped recess -- the heso, or "navel" -- believed to balance the resonance of the board and a hallmark of quality craftsmanship. Four boldly turned gourd-form legs elevate the board to a comfortable floor-play height, each leg sculpted with a tiered, petal-like profile typical of professional-grade go-ban produced during this era.

Beyond the game room, this go-ban makes a striking statement in a modern interior. Its substantial block form and warm wood tones translate beautifully as a low living room accent table in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic setting, where its geometric grid surface doubles as a graphic focal point. Laid flat and paired with a simple ceramic vessel or a stack of art books, it functions as a minimalist coffee table or floor-level display platform. It also makes a unique gift for Go players, collectors of Japanese antique games, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese woodwork -- an heirloom-quality conversation piece that rewards both use and admiration.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Kaya wood (Japanese nutmeg yew), solid construction
• Use: Traditional floor-standing Go board for playing the game of Go
• Modern Use: Low living room accent table or display platform; wabi-sabi or Japandi decor focal point; unique gift for Go enthusiasts and Japanese antique collectors
• Features: Full 19x19 playing grid with incised lines and marked hoshi star points; traditional heso (pyramid recess) on the underside; four carved gourd-form turned legs; warm amber kaya wood grain throughout
• Dimensions: 16"W x 17 1/2"D x 10"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; light surface marks and minor scuffs to sides consistent with age and play; legs show some wear; playing surface intact and fully usable

A museum-worthy example of handcrafted Japanese antique game furniture -- as compelling as sculpture in any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.