{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-shogi-board-with-carved-gardenia-legs-solid-wood-shogiban-14in","title":"Vintage Japanese Shogi Board with Carved Gardenia Legs Solid Wood Shogiban 14in","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vintage Japanese shogi board with legs (ashitsuki shogiban), made from a thick block of solid wood that appears to be keyaki (Japanese zelkova), with bold, wavy grain across the top and sides. The playing surface is marked with the traditional 9 x 9 grid of black lines, with the slightly rectangular squares used for shogi. It stands on four carved legs shaped like gardenia fruit, and the underside has a carved square recess with a pyramid-shaped center. The wood has a warm orange-honey finish. It can be used to play shogi (Japanese chess), or as a low side table or plant stand, or as a display piece in a Japanese-inspired room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShogi boards with legs are traditionally used for floor play in Japan. The gardenia shape of the legs is a classic design; in Japanese the gardenia is \"kuchinashi,\" which can be read as \"no mouth,\" a reminder that onlookers should stay silent during a game. The square recess underneath is called the \"heso\" (navel); it is traditionally said to help the wood stay stable and to give pieces a crisp sound when played. Keyaki is a Japanese hardwood valued for its strong, decorative grain. This board is unmarked. It weighs 18.6 lb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition and sturdy, with all four legs attached. The top has light scratches, scuffs and a few faint pale marks from use. There are small dents and light marks on the edges and sides, and the leg ends show wear. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is 14 x 12.3 x 8.5 inches (W x D x H), with a top block about 4.5 inches thick. It weighs 18.6 lb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60114284937502,"sku":"BA-1322","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-10-03at21.20.04_1.jpg?v=1791077687","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-japanese-shogi-board-with-carved-gardenia-legs-solid-wood-shogiban-14in","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}