Tendo-Shogi-Koma

The making of shogi-koma goes back to the end of the Edo period. It was then a side job for lower class warriors. For good quality shogi-koma or the wooden pieces for the game of shogi, boxwood is chosen, and lacquer is applied for the characters on each side. The process for shogi-koma can be roughly divided into three; the shaping of the pieces, carving, and lacquering of the characters. At present, Tendo makes about 95% of all shogi (Japanese chess) pieces in the country.