Antique goban with calligraphy from Cho Chikun！

[chen1664]

Same goes for the OP, who has a board from the 25th Honinbo

I doubt he ownd the board, but maybe he used it to play a game after an important tournament? Or at least placed a few stones? I guess that's the beauty of antique goban, you never know what's the story behind the board and you could imagine anything you want!

[tchan001]

It's a nice board that you got there! It must feel very special to use a board that a Honinbo once used! and I can't believe the ink preserved so well on your board, do you use it regularly or is it more like a decoration for you? I am curious to know if the board still produces the unique smell of kaya board?

I have used it in the past but currently it is in storage so at the moment I can't tell you if it still has the unique smell of kaya.

[goTony]

The board looks like katsura to me, judging by the grain, the color, and the carving of the legs. Of course I could be wrong since I can't see the board in person. I also think it is a nice find.

I didn't know the carving of the legs are different between kaya and katsura, that would explain why the price was so low.
They also carry a quiet nice looking antique light color hon-kaya goban with tenchimesa cut 6.5 inch (I believe its Japan grown) that they are selling for $200 more than the board I bought. which one do you think I should keep and which one would be more valuable over time (like for resale and bragging to go friend value )?

Thanks!

It is hard to say which is more valuable. Obviously Kaya is considered the "best wood" to make GO boards out of. It is also rare and slow growing adding to its value. But I would rather have the cheaper board signed by Cho Chikun. I think many players would feel the same. So if u wish to keep the Kaya and sell the Cho let me know! I would be interested! I hope u get lots of enjoyment and improvement from both boards. : )