| CLAM
STONES FROM KUROKI GOISHI TEN |
| Clam
stones are fully hand-made. After being produced, clam
stones are sorted according to a strict standard in which
a stone will be accepted only if it is of the right shape
(the shape of the stone will be checked against the master
stone); the color must be clear white and the surface
smooth without any visible flaws. During the process,
about 20% of stones will be rejected. After being sorted,
stones will be carefully polished for about 6 hours in
a special barrel. Afterwards they will display the distinguished
and elegant shiny color and make clear sound when being
rubbed against each other. |
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| In general, a good
stone that is to be accepted must have balanced natural
roundness according to its size. Characteristic stripes
must be evident and balanced. The stone should be smooth
and stable but able to rock moderately when placed on
a Go board. The stone should have a nice curve with a
beautiful rounded sidewall about 1 mm thick without imperfection
for maximum durability and strength. In short a good stone
must have a perfect shape to fully satisfy the player's
eyes, ears, and fingers. |
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| Clam
stones are packaged into three grades: Snow Grade, Moon
Grade and Standard Grade. Snow Grade stones are made from
the outer rim of the clamshell with straighter and denser
grain lines. Moon Grade stones are made from the middle
rim of the clamshell with grain lines not as dense as
Snow Grade stones. Standard Grade stones include stones
made from the inner most part of the clam shell hence
may have round grain lines of lower grain density. |
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