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 Along
with the intriguing sliding parts of a Japanese Puzzle
Box, the beautiful designs covering the outside can be
just as captivating. These designs can consist of
mountain and lake scenes or geometric patterns. This
enchanting artistry is referred to as marquetry and
requires as much craftsmanship and skill as the box
making itself. Marquetry artisans use woods with no
artificial tints or dyes to create vibrant multicolored
designs. Himitsu Bako craftsmen typically create the
design of their boxes and have the outside design
applied at a later date. Yosegi-zaiku
and Zougan
are the two chief styles of marquetry found on the
Japanese Puzzle Box.
Yosegi-zaiku is the marquetry that uses a number of
woods from the Hakone region in Japan. This region is
the birthplace of Himitsu Bako and is popular for its
assortment of trees, from Dogwoods to certain types of
Magnolia. Using these various woods, blocks of color are
created in a design of choice. Once the glue that holds
these blocks together thoroughly dries, a craftsman will
then shave off paper thin layers of color and apply them
to the surface of the Japanese Puzzle Box in various
designs. Common woods and colors for Yosegi-zaiku are:
- Nigaki,
Laquer Tree- yellow
- Dogwood,
Spindle Tree- white
- Katsura-
black
- Honoki-
gray
- Cherry
Tree- light brown
- Keyaki-
dark brown
Zougan is the exclusive marquetry tradition of the
Hakone region. It is often used to portray traditional
Japanese scenes of mountains, lakes or flying geese.
Interestingly, much of this work was done with a chisel
and needle in its earliest development. Rather than
applying layers of color onto a surface, colored woods
are inlayed into the surface of the Japanese Puzzle Box.
Though many techniques are updated, this delicate art
form still uses a chisel and requires the utmost of
skill. Once again, woods from the surrounding Hakone
region are used to create such things as peaceful
lakeside scenes. Many boxes carry representations of Mt.
Fuji as well.
The delicate wood marquetry of a Japanese Puzzle Box
is what makes it essential to keep it away from high
heat and humidity. Many of these boxes are finished with
only a thin lacquer or similar veneer. The delicate
beauty of each box requires that owners be vigilant in
their care and keeping of such an enchanting item. Doing
so ensures the box can be enjoyed for many years to
come.
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