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Welcome to
Faze 3
Puzzles including Japanese Puzzle Boxes
and Traditional Welsh Love Spoons
Telephone (01492) 545804
The majority of our boxes come from the Izumiya Studio - one of the premier craftsmen’s establishments in Japan.
Most of their boxes come with the Izumiya logo, shown here, stamped inside. This assures you that you have one of the best quality boxes available.
Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box)
Amongst the various art works of wood in the world today, the Japanese Puzzle Boxes produced in the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan are superior in quality as well as traditional craftsmanship. The selection of high quality wood and the expertise of three generations of master craftsmen have achieved an art form revered for its artistry and ingenuity.
The Personal Secret Box is a traditional Japanese puzzle box that was designed over 100 years ago in the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan. The Hakone Mountains are noted for their great variety of trees.
The Personal Secret Box takes advantage of this wide variety of natural wood colours and textures to produce elaborate geometric patterns. The appeal of the Personal Secret Box is not merely in its entertainment qualities.
It is adorned with Yosegi-Zaiku and/or Moku-Zougan. The Yosegi-Zaiku is a mosaic woodwork usually applied to small handicrafts such as trays, boxes and chests.
This marquetry technique originated in the late Edo Period and in May of 1984 was designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister.
In the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan, there are about 100 people who are working in the field of traditional wooden products. Of these 100 people, only about 30 craftsmen produce Yosegi-Zaiku and about four craftsmen produce Moku-Zougan. The Himitsu-Bako is produced by only 9 traditional craftsmen. These craftsmen do not make the Yosegi-Zaiku, which adorns their Secret Puzzle boxes. The Himitsu-Bako craftsmen produce their secret puzzle box virtually alone from start to finish. They each pick the wood they will use and then allow it to dry for a period of time.
Next, they cut and assemble wood pieces to form the puzzle box. Finally, they apply the Yosegi-Zaiku to the outside of the box. The youngest of the Himitsu-Bako master craftsmen is about 60 years old.
SUN
Sun is an old unit of measurement used in Japan, equal to 30.3mm.
Zougan is marquetry.
Yosegi is mosaic woodwork. Terms such as Ichimatsu and Kuroasa are different patterns of Yosegi.
STEP
Step refers to the amount of moves required to open the box.
CARE OF YOUR BOX
To clean, wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth. Never use abrasive or liquid cleaners.
PLEASE NOTE
As with any work of art, the Personal Secret Box should be handled with care. Please be aware that the wood may contract or expand with changes in humidity or temperature. Avoid damp or steamy areas and never leave your box in the sun. If this has happened, do not force your box as it may cause damage.
The craftsman who makes the Japanese puzzle box itself does not make the yosegi or zougan overlay that covers the box. They buy it in sheets from yosegi makers and apply it to their boxes. So two boxes that look exactly alike may be vastly different in quality when a master craftsman makes one and an apprentice makes the other. The master’s box will work flawlessly, the apprentice’s box may barely work at all. Ours are the best quality available.
Home > Japanese Puzzle Boxes > Introduction
Japanese Puzzle Box Catalogue | Introduction | Opening Movements | Box Finishes | Yosegi Patterns