This intricately crafted 5 sun box features a
beautiful Zougan art depiction of Japan's Mt. Fuji on the lid. Zougan art pictures
are made from different wooden pieces of varying colors fitted together perfectly into a
block. The block is then sliced into very thin sheets to produce the Zougan picture
overlay that is applied to the box. This is a very demanding and time consuming process.
In the west, a form of this art is called marquetry. Another traditional Zougan art design
is found on the bottom of the piece.
The remainder of the box is finished with the Koyosegi known as
Kuroasa. Kuroasa translates in English to "black hemp" which is a fitting name
for this geometric six-sided star pattern.
Its 42 moves ensures that this box is not only beautiful, but
quite a difficult puzzle as well. It has four sliding panels and eight sliding keys.
The quality of this puzzle is superb - the movements of the sliding
panels and keys are extremely smooth . The finish is silky to the touch as well as being
tough. The skill of the artisans that assembled it is quite evident. You will find the the
Izumiya "hanko" stamped on the inside of the lid.
Opening instructions are provided as well as
a press board gift box. To see this puzzle open, click 
