The first Japanese puzzle
boxes were made in Japan’s Hakone region more than a hundred years ago. The
traditional boxes were produced using the marquetry technique popular in the
region. This technique naturally developed in the area considering the many
varieties of trees that grew in Hakone, such as the wax tree, spindle tree, the
Katsura-jindai tree, and cherry tree.
The different textures
and colors of the woods allowed local craftsmen to create beautifully designed
wooden pieces like toys, trays, bowls, and puzzle boxes. Zougan and
Yosegi-Zaiku are the two known decorative styles of Japanese puzzle boxes. For
more information visit Japan Craft .
Zougan
In the Zougan style the
artisan first chisels out a certain shape into the surface of the Japanese
puzzle box. He then creates detailed
and ornate pictures inside the box by using very thin pieces of inlay.
Some of the most popular
scenes depicted using this technique include Tobizuru (flying geese), Mt. Fuji,
and Sansui (mountain lakes). This traditional art form originated and is still being
practiced and produced in Hakone.
Yosegi-zaiku
The Yosegi-zaiku style is
basically a mosaic woodwork often applied to smaller handicrafts like chests, trays,
and puzzle boxes. Skilled artisans use the many types of trees in Hakone to
make patterned blocks. They use the different colors, textures, and shapes to
make their desired design. After gluing the pieces together, they shave the thin
layer off and then apply it to the puzzle box.
In Japan’s Hakone-Odawara region, about 100 people
are still producing traditional wooden products. Of these craftsmen, only 30 are
making products using the Yosegi-Zaiku style and only 4 produce Moku-Zougan.
No comments:
Post a Comment