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

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Drawer 5 sun box

13-Jun-2024

I'm starting to make the Drawer 10 steps 5 sun Japanese puzzle box, Himitsu-bako (https://www.japanesepuzzlebox.jp/product/32). Because it's out of stock now, and it's one of the very popular Himitsu-bako. The way to open this puzzle box is that the first side uses a 7 steps mechanism, which is the same as a normal 7 steps puzzle box. The second side opens the drawer in 3 steps, making a total of 10 steps. This box is divided into two compartments (top and bottom), which operate separately. The drawer side will not open unless the first 7 steps side is opened. The upper compartment is for the 7 steps mechanism, and the lower compartment is for the 3 steps drawer mechanism.

The 7 steps space is the main part, and it is 27mm deep. Therefore, the drawer space is a bit smaller at 24mm. The drawer body is stored inside it (24mm), so the inner space of the drawer is about 100x66x14mm. It's pretty small and only holds cards, etc., so I'm wondering if it could be made a bit bigger. That's the challenge with this box.

The drawer lid panels are completely removable, so they tend to warp. I used to make this lid panel out of normal wood, but the panels tend to warp. Now, I make them by gluing slices of walnut or other wood to an MDF board. To be continued...

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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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