Japanese puzzle box by Hiroyuki Oka. Ship to Worldwide from Japan

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Ichimatsu

29-May-2024

I sometimes use "Ichimatsu" design (checkered pattern) as a decoration of Himitsu-bako. Here is one I made some time ago (photo), the pieces of solid ichimatsu yosegi on the top panel of a 4 sun box. The thickness is about 2 mm, and the long laminated six types of wood is cut into 2 mm pieces. I have some of this ichimatsu yosegi left so I am thinking of making this 4 sun box again.
Ichimatsu is a person's name, and it came to be called "Ichimatsu" after the Edo period Kabuki actor "Ichimatsu Sanogawa" wore a Kabuki costume with this pattern on stage. He was a popular actor, so it became popular among women to wear kimonos with the patterns (Ichimatsu) of his costumes.
The three-dimensional yosegi on the puzzle box doesn't function as a puzzle mechanism, but it's cute and popular. By the way, there is also a hexagonal version, which is also (Tiny Mame box) very popular.

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Name: Hiroyuki Oka

Hello everyone. I was born in Odawara City, Japan, and have been making these puzzle boxes for over 20 years. My workshop is located in Odawara City. Since I create each box by myself, it might take some time to restock sold-out items. Please be patient. Additionally, I occasionally make unique boxes that are not sold on other sites, so please check back here from time to time. I also write a blog on this site from Monday to Friday, I would be delighted if you read it. Enjoy my puzzle boxes! Hiroyuki

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/okapuzzlebox/

Hakone Town and Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, are renowned for producing Japanese puzzle boxes, also known as Himitsu-bako. This type of woodwork has been passed down through generations, with its origins tracing back to the Edo or Meiji era (around 1870). The puzzle box operates through a series of sliding panels; when moved in the correct sequence, the lid opens, creating a true puzzle.The number of movements required to open the lid determines the name of the box. Additionally, the length of the longest panel is measured and included in the name. For reference, 1-sun equals 3 centimeters.These puzzle boxes are often decorated with traditional Hakone and Odawara artwork known as Yosegi-zaiku or wood inlaid work (Zogan). Thinly sliced pieces of Yosegi are meticulously pasted onto the box, serving both as decoration and to maintain the proper function of the puzzle box. In other words This decoration not only enhances the aesthetics but also provides protection.Creating a Japanese puzzle box requires perseverance and advanced craftsmanship. Despite their intellectually engaging design and functionality, they are far from mechanical. The feel and sound of the sliding wood are simple and gentle, adding to the charm of the Japanese puzzle box.

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