Square box
I'm making the Square 12 steps Japanese puzzle box. I have been making boxes of this shape since 2019, if I remember correctly. During this time, I have created various design types. In addition to the regular Yosegi type and natural wood type, I have also made some Japanese character types (kanji). This time, I am making Yosegi type and a few natural wood type. The marquetry type is a special order from a shop owner. These designs are only top and bottom panels, the side panels of box are walnut wood design. The inspiration for this box came from wanting to create another box that could be made with the same mechanism as the 4-sun size box. Therefore, I kept the width and depth dimensions of the 4-sun box the same and only shortened the length. I made the length the same as the width. So, when viewed from above, this box is a square.
The frame size (except for the length), axis size, and the size (including thickness) of the sliding panel (Aruki) are the same as a 4-sun box. The photo shows three types of sliding panels, but the only difference is that the frame length is shorter, making the top panel's "Aruki" shorter and nearly square. This is a technical detail, but since the top panel's sliding panel is shorter, the part that is in contact with (or embedded in) the frame is also shorter. As a result, the sliding panel on the top panel of this square box is more prone to wear (and becoming loose) compared to that part on a 4-sun box. Therefore, I attach this sliding panel slightly tighter than usual. Other than that, I can make just like a regular 4-sun box.
I wanted to create a unique design for this box, so I made several types. The boxes featuring Japanese characters have a very distinctive design with a single kanji character. Among them, I chose "Zen" and "Samurai" as they are popular overseas. Unfortunately, I haven't used the character "Shinobi-Ninja" for this box yet, but I definitely plan to.
Also, the design combining four squares using four different types of wood was very well received. I intend to make this box again. At that time, I might change the types of wood used.
I want to create a cute and approachable impression for this box, rather than a traditional and old-fashioned Japanese impression. By doing so, I hope to attract more customers who are interested in Japanese puzzle boxes😊🙏
The frame size (except for the length), axis size, and the size (including thickness) of the sliding panel (Aruki) are the same as a 4-sun box. The photo shows three types of sliding panels, but the only difference is that the frame length is shorter, making the top panel's "Aruki" shorter and nearly square. This is a technical detail, but since the top panel's sliding panel is shorter, the part that is in contact with (or embedded in) the frame is also shorter. As a result, the sliding panel on the top panel of this square box is more prone to wear (and becoming loose) compared to that part on a 4-sun box. Therefore, I attach this sliding panel slightly tighter than usual. Other than that, I can make just like a regular 4-sun box.
I wanted to create a unique design for this box, so I made several types. The boxes featuring Japanese characters have a very distinctive design with a single kanji character. Among them, I chose "Zen" and "Samurai" as they are popular overseas. Unfortunately, I haven't used the character "Shinobi-Ninja" for this box yet, but I definitely plan to.
Also, the design combining four squares using four different types of wood was very well received. I intend to make this box again. At that time, I might change the types of wood used.
I want to create a cute and approachable impression for this box, rather than a traditional and old-fashioned Japanese impression. By doing so, I hope to attract more customers who are interested in Japanese puzzle boxes😊🙏
