The Puzzle Box Store is a specialty website offering our collection of Japanese Puzzle Boxes. We are owned
and operated by Uncommon Treasures, located in Towson Maryland.
You can order online 24 hours a day. If you need some help, or would like to speak with us we are available Monday - Saturday from 10am to 6pm Eastern Time. Give us a call, we would love to hear from you.
This Japanese Secret / Puzzle Box is made in the Yosegi pattern. This pattern is the original traditional design used for puzzle boxes. Every box is a little different in design depending upon how the pieces are applied. Each Japanese puzzle box is individually handcrafted using techniques passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and imported directly from the artists in Hakone Japan.
This Japanese Secret / Puzzle Box is made in the Star pattern. Every box is a little different in design depending upon how the pieces are applied. Each Japanese puzzle box is individually handcrafted using techniques passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and imported directly from the artists in Hakone Japan. Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 2.4 inches
Natural Wood Kusu Puzzle Box 3 sun - 12 steps - This Japanese Secret / Puzzle Box is made in the Muku style which denotes that the pattern goes all the way through the wood rather than a veneer. Each Japanese puzzle box is individually handcrafted using techniques passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and imported directly from the artists in Hakone Japan. Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.8 x 2 inches
Asa Nested Puzzle Box Set - This Japanese Secret / Puzzle Box is made in the Asa pattern. Open the first box and find a smaller box inside - The first box is 2.5 Sun and requires 5 moves to open - The inner box is Mame size and requires a challenging 14 moves to open. This pattern is the original traditional design used for puzzle boxes. Every box is a little different in design depending upon how the pieces are applied. Each Japanese puzzle box is individually handcrafted using techniques passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and imported directly from the artists in Hakone Japan.
Yabane Puzzle Box 4 sun - 14 steps - This Japanese Secret / Puzzle Box is made with the Mawari Yabane pattern. Every box is a little different in design depending upon how the pieces are applied. Each Japanese puzzle box is individually handcrafted using techniques passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and imported directly from the artists in Hakone Japan. Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches
Choosing a Puzzle Box
A Japanese puzzle box is a unique item with an interesting past. Originating over a century ago, the Japanese puzzle box was first used to hide items away from all others except the owner thereof who had the secret combination to get into the box. Today, these items are used as souvenirs, gifts and conversation pieces and their overall complexity and beauty is appreciated by all who lay eyes upon them. When searching for a Japanese puzzle box to buy, there a few tips to keep in mind in order to buy the right one for your needs.
Purpose of the Purchase
The first thing you have to consider prior to buying a Japanese puzzle box is what the purpose for buying it is. For example, will it be used as a decorative touch in your home or being presented as a gift for a friend? By pinpointing the reason for the purchase of the Japanese puzzle box, you will best be able to select one which stands out amongst the rest. If you are buying the item for your home you can choose one which goes best with your décor. On the other hand, if buying a Japanese puzzle box for a friend, you can select one which you think will appeal to your friend and their individual tastes.
Size of the Japanese Puzzle Box
Another tip to keep in mind when purchasing a Japanese puzzle box is what size you want the box to be. These types of puzzle boxes are available in a wide array of lengths, or "suns" as they are called in Japanese. This Japanese unit of measure will determine the length of the individual box and you should purchase one which comes in the size that you are looking for. The sun unit of measure describes the overall length of the box and does not relate to dimensions such as width or height.
Desired Design on the Box
An additional factor to consider when purchasing a Japanese puzzle box is what type of design you want the box to have. These types of boxes range anywhere from simply designed ones to beautiful ornate creations. By determining what style of box you are looking for you will better be able to narrow down the options and choose the perfect type of box to suit your individual taste or the style favored by a friend, if presenting the Japanese puzzle box as a gift.
A Japanese Puzzle Box Makes a Unique Gift
Many people are tired of giving the same old gifts like gift cards for special occasions and are looking for a unique gift. One gift you may want to consider is a Japanese puzzle box. These boxes are beautiful wood boxes that have a secret.
What is a Japanese Puzzle Box?
These boxes are also referred to as a himitsu-bako which literally translates to Personal Secret Box. They have been in existence for over 100 years and have been traced back to a region in Japan called Hakone. They are wood boxes that at first glance look like a box that is just beautifully decorated. However upon further examination of the box the recipient will soon learn that the box holds a secret.
The secret is the box opens. There are designed to have an enigma type effect. This means that they will first peak your curiosity and then draw you in by the benign look of the boxes. Once you have begun to work the box however you will learn that it is deceptively difficult. One reason is because they were intentional designed that way.
Even when given specific instructions on how to open the box it is difficult. This is because the beautifully inlayed wood creates a design that often makes it very difficult just figuring out which side is the top. They do however range in levels of difficulty which depends on how many moves are require for opening the box. Some of the less difficult boxes to open take as few as twelve moves and the most difficult box known to exist requires 325 moves to open the box.
When giving a puzzle box to someone who is inexperienced with them you may want to start them off with a box with fewer steps to open it. Starting someone off with a box that is too complicated may frustrate them and leave them uninterested in trying to complete the puzzle. The goal is to challenge them without deflating them.
One great thing about giving a puzzle box is once the recipients understand it you can make it a tradition to supply them with a new one each year and steadily increasing the difficulty. The Japanese puzzle box makes a great unique gift. The box itself is beautifully decorated and would make a nice gift all by itself but it’s the box's secret that makes it completely unique.
