A Million Hands

A study of Arts and Crafts from around the world.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Patterns in Our Japanese Puzzle Boxes

The Japanese Puzzle box is a merging of two Art-Forms. The art of creating a box with sliding panels that can only be opened if you know the exact sequence of moves. (or follow the directions we provide with each box) The second art is that of wood marquetry or Zaiku where different woods in their natural color are carefully cut and glued together making beautiful patterns. Below are several samples of these patterns and the woods used to make them. Puzzle Box Patterns