The photographs on this page are taken from books
published in Japan about the history of Yosegi-Zaiku (yosegi skilled-craft).
The box on the right combines marquetry on the top with yosegi on the
sides.
On this box, you see 'patches' of yosegi as embellishment.
This item is called a makura. It was very handy
while travelling.
The makura above dissembled into its parts.
Another beautiful box.
You can begin to see how items like the yosegi boxes that appear on this
page are thought to be the predecessor to himitsu bako (secret boxes).
An intricate yosegi pattern covers this antique secret
box.
This item illustrates that the koyosegi pattern, that embellishes so many secret boxes
today, has been around for a while.
A very attractive pattern decorates this secret box.
(Use your browser’s Back button to return to the previous page)
“A mechanical puzzle is a self-contained object, composed
of one or more parts, which involves a problem for one person to solve by manipulation
using logic, reasoning, insight, luck, and/or dexterity.” - Jerry Slocum
