Himitsu Bako

Himitsu bako is a name given to small boxes made by combining unique puzzle mechanism with Yosegi-Zaiku and/or Moku-Zougan inlay work. The merging of two arts, native to a single small town along the banks of Ashino-Ko Lake. Welcome to Hakone, Japan and the art of the Japanese Secret Box, also known in the west as a Japanese Puzzle Box. Himitsu Bako

A Closer Look at Yosegi

Yosegi Zaiku, is an intricate mosaic marquetry process that is made into a beautiful veneer. This veneer is used to decorate everything from chopsticks and serving trays to the amazing Himitsu Bako (Japanese Puzzle Boxes). Various woods of different colors are harvested, dried, and shaved or cut into different shapes that are then combined to make the basic patterns. These patterns are then arranged to make sheets that are shaved into the veneer. Yosegi Sample Pictures

Japanese Puzzle Box Glossary

Any time an art form is brought from its native country, along with it comes many terms that need translation to understand. These terms are also incorporated in the names of the articles themselves and the designs and patterns. Below is a list of terms relative to Japanese Puzzle Boxes. Puzzle Box Glossary