Overview
A classic mid-century Go set featuring a wooden board (Go-ban) and two boxes of playing stones (Go-ishi). This set represents the traditional Japanese strategy game that has remained virtually unchanged for over 2,500 years.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic mid-century Go set featuring a wooden board (Go-ban) and two boxes of playing stones (Go-ishi). This set represents the traditional Japanese strategy game that has remained virtually unchanged for over 2,500 years.
Story
Go is the world's oldest continuously played board game. This specific set likely traveled from Japan during the post-war era when Western interest in Eastern philosophy and strategy games surged. It's a bridge between ancient tradition and modern leisure.
Maker / Origin
While this set lacks a visible maker's mark, it follows the standardized production of Japanese game manufacturers like Kurokigoishi or similar workshops. These makers specialized in transforming natural materials like wood, shell, and slate into tools for intellectual combat.
Condition & Value
The board shows minor surface wear consistent with age. The original cardboard packaging is present but shows some edge wear and scuffing. Completeness of the stone count is essential for maintaining the higher end of the value range. Value is driven by the completeness of the set and the material of the stones.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.