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Puzzles by Maker > Puzzle Boxes - Japanese Yosegi
Although first made more than 100 years ago they remain highly sought after, with puzzlers from around the world collecting puzzle boxes that may take as many as 122 moves or more to open. These puzzle boxes are still made in the region by craftsman like Akio Kamei who was trained as an apprentice before becoming a Master craftsman himself, now with his own apprentices. In May of 1984 these puzzle boxes were designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister. To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Even though some people refer to them as Chinese boxes these are traditional Japanese trick opening boxes. We have travelled to Hakone in Japan every few years for the past 20 years of being in the puzzle business. We have met many craftsmen there and this has enabled us to import directly from Japan good quality puzzle boxes at a reasonable price.
Traditional Japanese Trick opening puzzle boxes as we know them were first made in the Hakone region from about 1890's by master woodworker Ryugoro Okawa. They were known as Himitsu-Bako (Personal Secret Box) and were originally used to store documents or other secrets inside but soon became common as souveniers for people visiting the hot springs in the area. 
In this photo Brian is seen trying his hand using a traditional Japanese plane under the watchful eye of Hiroshi Iwahara, himself trained by Akio Kamei.
Not very big but a challenging 7 moves to open. To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Size: 2 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. There are 4 separate moves or 4 steps to open this box. Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding panels hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. There are 10 separate moves or 10 steps to open this box. Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) To open a Japanese puzzle box one or more sliding pieces hidden within the patterns on the box must be moved. Even the bottom and top panels move with this one. There are 21 separate moves or 21 steps to open this trick opening puzzle box. Just the thing if you really want a challenge. Or what a way to prolong the gift giving if the person has to find all these moves to get their present. Size: 4 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length) To open this Japanese puzzle box you must slide hidden panels in order. There are 21 moves to make in the correct order and still this box holds one more secret. One more move is required to find the second secret compartment. You will hear the rattle of a Japanese coin to remind you that there is one more compartment to discover. Can you find the yen coin as well? This very special puzzle box is made of walnut with decorative strips of contrasting coloured woods on both top and bottom. There are 4 different designs to choose from - pick the desired design code from the drop down box. The finish on all aspects of this box is amazing; even other sliding panels on the walnut face are well matched so that they are almost impossible to see. Size: 5 Sun (a traditional unit of measure to denote length - 3.03cm to be exact)
Japanese secret Koyosegi box 2 sun 7 step
Perfect gift box for that very special small gift.
Imagine if someone has to find these moves before they can receive their gift? Perhaps you're giving a very special piece of jewellery, perhaps a ring, maybe even a diamond? This will certainly prolong the suspense.
Actual size outside: 60mm x 46mm x 37mm
Space inside: 35mm x 32mm x 25mm
Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside.
Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
Japanese puzzle box 4 Sun 4 Step
Imagine if someone has to find these moves before they can receive their gift. Especially if you're giving an expensive gift the high quality craftsmanship make these secret boxes perfect.
Actual size outside: 119mm x 83mm x 52mm
Space inside: 75mm x 61mm x 38mm
Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
Japanese trick opening puzzle box 4 Sun 10 Step
A fantastic way to prolong the excitement of giving a gift. Imagine Dad on Father's Day or you brother at Christmas trying to open this trick opening puzzle box.
Actual size outside: 120mm x 83mm x 52mm
Space inside: 80mm x 63mm x 38mm
Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
Japanese trick box 4 Sun 21 Step
Actual size outside: 119mm x 83mm x 52mm
Space inside: 73mm x 60mm x 32mm
Because each puzzle box is handmade in Japan the pattern on each one will be very similar but may vary slightly from the photo shown here.
Japanese secret opening box 5 sun 21 step + 1
Actual size outside: 150mm x 100mm x 68mm
Space inside: 100mm x 76mm x 42mm
Gift boxed as shown in this photo with a solution inside.