Shogi game lasercut

Last Updated or created 2023-01-03

I designed playing pieces for a DIY made Shogi board.

Shogi (将棋, shōgi, English: /ˈʃoʊɡi/, Japanese: [ɕoːɡi]), also known as Japanese chess, is a strategy board game for two players. It is one of the most popular board games in Japan and is in the same family of games as Western chess, chaturanga, Xiangqi, Indian chess, and janggi. Shōgi means general’s (shō 将) board game (gi 棋). Western chess is sometimes called (Seiyō Shōgi 西洋将棋 lit. ’Western Shogi’) in Japan.

Shogi was the earliest chess-related historical game to allow captured pieces to be returned to the board by the capturing player. This drop rule is speculated to have been invented in the 15th century and possibly connected to the practice of 15th century mercenaries switching loyalties when captured instead of being killed.

Pieces Lasercut and Laser-engraved

Final board

Left side the turned over pieces, right side displays normal faceup pieces

I’ve designed the pieces and the markings on them using Inkscape.
Instead of the Japanese characters the pieces show the allowed movements. The Circled signs are on the back of the pieces.

Board and traditional characterset