3-sun 12-step boxes
Today was a relatively warm day. Since the temperature was expected to rise, I decided to do the finishing work, which I usually do in the morning, in the evening instead.
So, from the morning, I started working on the next project: the 3-sun 12-steps puzzle box. This time, I plan to make about 60 pieces, and almost all of them are for orders I have already received.
Recently, I’ve been working on my own stock and some projects in Hakone, so these orders have been delayed. I’m sorry about that. This time, I will produce several orders together from a few different customers. All of them are 3-sun 12-steps puzzle boxes. There are three designs: the traditional Yosegi with a checkered pattern, a walnut wood type, and a full checkered pattern type. Today, I first prepared the materials and worked on making the frame parts. Making 60 boxes may sound like a lot, but since the boxes are small, it doesn’t feel like such a big task. In the past, I used to make about 100 pieces at once when producing the 3-sun size.
This time as well, I made some improvements. I’ve been making the 3-sun puzzle boxes with the same specifications for a long time, but recently I’ve been gradually working on making them more durable. Compared to karakuri boxes, puzzle boxes tend to be less sturdy. You might feel that the box is quite light when you hold it. This is because I use lightweight wood, and the design (dimensions) of the box is small and thin. I once heard from someone who has worked in this region for many years that the lightness of the puzzle boxes was actually a strong point. Several decades ago, these boxes sold very well as souvenirs. Because the boxes are light and small, they were easy for visitors to Hakone to take home with them. It makes sense—souvenirs that are heavy and bulky can be troublesome to carry back.
However, in recent years, fewer Japanese people buy puzzle boxes as souvenirs at shops in Hakone, and purchases through the internet have increased. Since lightweight and thin materials are more likely to be affected by climate over many years, the boxes can be easily damaged. Because of this, I’ve decided to make my boxes a bit more durable from now on. For this batch, I made the side panels of the frame thicker.
As planned, I worked on the finishing and base coating of the 6-sun 27-steps puzzle box this evening. I did it at a time when the temperature had dropped a bit and the humidity had started to rise. Since the number of boxes is small this time, the work didn’t take too long. Reaching this point is always a relief. I will watch the timing over the next few days and do the final coating when the conditions are right.
Have a great weekend!😄
So, from the morning, I started working on the next project: the 3-sun 12-steps puzzle box. This time, I plan to make about 60 pieces, and almost all of them are for orders I have already received.
Recently, I’ve been working on my own stock and some projects in Hakone, so these orders have been delayed. I’m sorry about that. This time, I will produce several orders together from a few different customers. All of them are 3-sun 12-steps puzzle boxes. There are three designs: the traditional Yosegi with a checkered pattern, a walnut wood type, and a full checkered pattern type. Today, I first prepared the materials and worked on making the frame parts. Making 60 boxes may sound like a lot, but since the boxes are small, it doesn’t feel like such a big task. In the past, I used to make about 100 pieces at once when producing the 3-sun size.
This time as well, I made some improvements. I’ve been making the 3-sun puzzle boxes with the same specifications for a long time, but recently I’ve been gradually working on making them more durable. Compared to karakuri boxes, puzzle boxes tend to be less sturdy. You might feel that the box is quite light when you hold it. This is because I use lightweight wood, and the design (dimensions) of the box is small and thin. I once heard from someone who has worked in this region for many years that the lightness of the puzzle boxes was actually a strong point. Several decades ago, these boxes sold very well as souvenirs. Because the boxes are light and small, they were easy for visitors to Hakone to take home with them. It makes sense—souvenirs that are heavy and bulky can be troublesome to carry back.
However, in recent years, fewer Japanese people buy puzzle boxes as souvenirs at shops in Hakone, and purchases through the internet have increased. Since lightweight and thin materials are more likely to be affected by climate over many years, the boxes can be easily damaged. Because of this, I’ve decided to make my boxes a bit more durable from now on. For this batch, I made the side panels of the frame thicker.
As planned, I worked on the finishing and base coating of the 6-sun 27-steps puzzle box this evening. I did it at a time when the temperature had dropped a bit and the humidity had started to rise. Since the number of boxes is small this time, the work didn’t take too long. Reaching this point is always a relief. I will watch the timing over the next few days and do the final coating when the conditions are right.
Have a great weekend!😄
