You are correct, as Tchan mentioned the lacquered grid lines are slightly 3d. If you
look at the picture below, it's the same "2 stones" ... you see how tilted they
look in the first picture. All I did was move them slightly off the grid lines,
and they straightened out. If I were to move them even further off the lines,
they're even more straight. I believe the grid lines become less "3d" with play,
but initially they're supposed to be 3d, as it's part of their process of how the
laquer is applied with the Katana. Click "show" to view:
I too was struck by how shiny they are. Here's their process:
"We polish Go Stones for about 6 hours in a special barrel, paying close attention to the
volume of water used, taking into consideration the weather, size, and amount of Go Stones."
Also ... they're inspection process for EACH stone is pretty amazing. Have a look at this:
"Any stone which is not the same as the Master Stone, lacks stability, or has a shape that
doesn't suit the hands will be strictly removed as not suitable. A stone that meets the
criterion has well balanced roundness according to its size, a nice smooth surface which
fits in the hands, a beautiful side line with no damage, and a perfect shape to fully
satisfy the player's eyes, ears, and fingers:
http://www.kurokigoishi.co.jp/english/s ... aster.htmlAnd this:
"Each stone goes through a 3-month, 24 stage process and every craftsman
touches it at least once, sees it with their own eyes, talks to it, and turns
it into a Go Stone that is capable of expressing the thoughts of the Go player"
"After this process Go Stones will make clear sound when rubbed against each other
and will feel nice in the player's hands."
It's an amazing company. They really take pride in the quality of their product.
