●Shima Kuwa
(Island Mulberry)

Shima Kuwa Is The Highest Quality Gosu Material

Beautiful and deep golden-colored grain pattern fascinates serious collectors.

In the Edo Period (1603-1867), joiners who makes Mulberry crafts was separately categorized as "Mulberry Joiner" and highly respected for their rare techniques. Art crafts made by these joiners were beloved and purchased by very rich people and such as high-ranking Samurai family, big merchants, Kabuki entertainment actors and so on and their collections became their status symbol.

The highest quality Mulberry is "Mikura Island Mulberry" since this was grown and harvested under the harsh climate condition for many years in the Mikura Volcanic Island. Mikura Island Mulberry was also used for the interior panel for the Imperial Family Train.

●Honkuwa

• characteristics :
  It is adequately hard and shines gold when processed.
• comment :
  This one is said to be the most excellent piece and one that any fan of Go would want to hold.

●Kurokaki

• characteristics :
  Bowls with black lines like this are very rare. The processing is extremely difficult as it often cracks.
• comment :
  Attrative masterpiece due to its rarity.

●Yakusugi

• characteristics :
  Normally this wood is not used to make Go Bowls, but has been gaining in popularity lately for its fine grain and scarcity.
• comment :
  As this is very rare, we have just one pair at the moment.

●Keyaki

• characteristics :
  standard material of timber work products throughout Japan / grain is clear and is resistant to moisture.
• comment :
  its color is bright and it is a very good match with Go board.

●Karin

• characteristics :
  this wood is very hard and a good, thich one is rare. As such this is used for high-class decoration.
• comment :
  It has a clear grain with vivid color.

●Sakura

• characteristics :
  It has a very fine grain with luster. It is easy to process.
• comment :
  It is of beautiful bright color and is graceful.

●Kusu

• characteristics :
  grain is a little rough and has strong fragrance.
• comment :
  rather economical and high quality with elegant luster.

●Shitan

• characteristics :
  It is marvelous with luxurious luster, though it is very hard and the processing is difficult.
• comment :
  It has a beautiful grain in a deep brown color.

●Kuri

• characteristics :
  It has a rough grain because this wood grows quickly. It has some knots and flaws.
• comment :
  As a Go Bowls made of natural wood, this one is the cheapest though it has some knots and flaws.