12-Jun-2025
I was out during the day today, so I couldn’t make much progress with my work. but I did some final adjustments on the 27-steps puzzle box that I finished painting yesterday, and I also prepared for my next project.
Right now, I’m working on the 4-sun 14-steps boxes and the square boxes, but since the materials aren’t drying well, I decided to wait a bit longer before continuing. When the rainy weather goes on like this, it really slows down the drying process. If I rush now, it could cause problems in the finished boxes later, so I thought it’s better to be patient.
Because of the recent rainy weather, the mechanism of the 27-steps puzzle box I just finished feels a little “heavy.” It’s not exactly stiff, but when the humidity stays high, the movement naturally becomes a bit heavier. The paint helps to protect against moisture, but Japanese puzzle boxes usually don’t have any coating inside, even if the surface is painted—so the inside is still affected by humidity.
That’s why I don’t recommend storing a puzzle box in an open state. It’s always better to keep it closed when not in use. Ideally, it should be stored inside a plastic bag and its decorative outer box to keep it protected.
Now, for my next project, I’ve chosen to make a 5-sun 36-steps puzzle box. These boxes are also part of an overseas order, but I’ll make a few extra for my own stock—maybe around 30 in total.
If possible, I’d like to include a few designs that are different from the usual traditional yosegi style this time. But the 36-steps mechanism has two Kannuki (slide keys) that move separately on each side, so I think it’s best to use yosegi sheet panels for the side parts. Since this mechanism requires more precise movement than the 2-bar type 5-sun box, using Agathis wood with a yosegi sheet gives better stability.
Right now, I’m still thinking about what kind of design I want to go with… I wonder when was the last time I made a 36-steps box? I definitely haven’t made one this year yet…haha😅
Thinking about that makes me realize—we’re already halfway through the year! Time really flies.
