12-Aug-2024
I am currently making a 3-sun 7-step Japanese puzzle box together along with the 4-sun 27-step box I mentioned the other day. I am also making and stocking up on several natural wood boxes. This time, I’m making about 10 of the 3-sun 7-step boxes. The type is as shown in the photo, with the lid panel made from four types of natural wood: Hoo (magnolia), Hinoki, Rengas, and keyaki wood. The side panels of this box are made from two types of natural wood: hinoki (cypress) and agathis. This agathis wood is also used in the structural parts of the Japanese puzzle box. Normally, craftsmen of Japanese puzzle box don’t use this wood for visible parts or exterior design (as far as I know).
I’ve been using this agathis wood for the exterior of my puzzle boxes for about 5 or 6 years now. The reason I started using it came from feedback from non-craftsmen. While discussing with a supplier from Hakone market about what kind of box would be good to make, we realized that there was no reason not to use agathis wood for the exterior of puzzle box. At that time, we were talking about me making boxes for him to sell. According to him, his perspective was, “Why not use that wood for the design of box?”
Among traditional craftsmen, there is often a kind of “fixed idea” that is closely tied to tradition. Of course, this mindset plays a role in preserving tradition. However, there are times when I am surprised by the opinions of non-craftsmen. I try to incorporate these perspectives into my work whenever possible. The agathis wood, in this case, is soft with a straight grain, making it easy to work with. I decided to use it for the exterior of my puzzle boxes and discovered it was quite practical. Additionally, when used for the sliding key (kannuki) panels, it made the position of the sliding keys less noticeable, which was a beneficial effect.
and The gentle color of the agathis wood also reflects the simple charm of the Japanese puzzle box, which is another aspect that I really like😊
