Vintage Japanese Goban with Goke and Goishi, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0431-2

Vintage Japanese Goban with Goke and Goishi, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0431-2

A floor-standing solid-wood goban with carved lotus feet, matching goke stone bowls, and a full set of black and white goishi -- a rare and complete Mid Showa igo set ready for play or display.

A goban is the thick, solid-wood board used to play igo (Go), one of Japan's most revered strategy games with a history spanning more than a thousand years. This handcrafted Japanese vintage goban is milled from a single substantial block of close-grained softwood -- the fine, parallel grain visible on the sides is consistent with sugi (cryptomeria) or a similar Japanese softwood prized for its resonant quality when stones are placed. The playing surface bears a full 19x19 grid with nine hoshi (star point) reference marks inked in clean, precise lines. The underside features a carved central pyramid relief flanked by four beautifully turned lotus-petal feet -- details that reflect the careful craftsmanship expected of a quality vintage Japanese game set. The two matching goke (stone bowls) are lathe-turned from a richly grained hardwood, possibly keyaki (zelkova), each showing dramatic swirling figure and fitted with a flat lid displaying tight concentric growth rings.

Beyond the game room, this set offers striking decorative potential in any modern interior. The goban's substantial block form and warm honey-toned wood grain make it a natural fit as a low living room accent table in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic setting -- styled with a ceramic vase or trailing plant on its surface. The goke bowls work beautifully as sculptural desk organizers, holding pens, keys, or small trinkets. As a complete vintage Japanese game set in full working order, it also makes a deeply meaningful gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to the philosophy and elegance of igo. The goban and goke together create a meditative, museum-quality focal point that bridges Japanese craft heritage and contemporary home decor.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Solid close-grained softwood board, possibly sugi (cryptomeria); turned hardwood goke bowls, possibly keyaki (zelkova); black and white goishi stones (material -- resin or natural stone, unconfirmed)
• Use: Playing igo (Go) -- a traditional Japanese strategy board game
• Modern Use: Low accent table or display surface in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior; sculptural desk organizer using the goke bowls; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Full 19x19 playing grid with hoshi star points; thick single-block board construction; four carved lotus-petal feet; hollowed underside with central pyramid relief; two lidded turned-wood goke bowls with striking grain figure; includes black and white goishi stones
• Dimensions: 16 1/2"W x 18"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete vintage Japanese igo set -- handcrafted with quiet precision and ready to bring the timeless beauty of Japanese game culture into 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 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.