Dragonfly Box
Homeward Bound
It’s time to head back home again. We’ll conclude this mini travel series, which began as a road trip in Rocky’s Model T, continued with a surprise party for a few friends, and now ends with a final travel themed puzzle, the Dragonfly Box by Shou Sugimoto.
Dragonfly Box by Shou Sugimoto
Designed for the Karakuri Creation Group’s “Travel” themed exhibition, Sugimoto channeled his feelings and emotions regarding the theme for his Dragonfly into its movements rather than trying to create something more overtly travel related in appearance. He notes that he does not really like traveling, or even going out much, and usually returns home again soon after departing for somewhere. He expresses this with his simple, comfortable box made from katsura, magnolia and maple woods, inlaid with a stylish dragonfly. The inlay insect gives the box a signature, adds a touch of simple beauty, and is also a clue. Dragonflies are such amazing aerial acrobats, and the name is elegantly appropriate for this puzzle. The mechanism it employs is unique and truly delightful. The box could easily have been another inclusion in the group’s older “Creative Secret Box” series of nine novel and unexpected mechanisms. It’s a welcome reminder of the simple pleasure of returning home – and a thrilling example of what we can likely expect from this incredibly talented new member of the Karakuri group.
Dragonflies move in the most amazing ways ...
After a long journey, a simple drink is also a welcome comfort, and thus the Dragonfly Cocktail turns out to be the perfect accompaniment with which to toast this journey’s end. No one knows exactly who invented this simple yet satisfying highball of gin, ginger ale and lime, but it likely owes its existence to “Buck’s Club”, an exclusive gentlemen’s club in London which was opened in 1919.
Dragonfly Cocktail (aka Gin Buck)
The “Buck”, a highball with spirits, citrus, and ginger ale, is said to have been invented there. Bucks are the forerunners to the “Mule”, which was introduced around 1940 and uses ginger beer rather than ale. Variations abound, using different base spirits such as rum (Dark and Stormy), bourbon (Kentucky Buck), scotch (Mamie Taylor) and vodka (Moscow Mule) to name a few. With gin and lime, it becomes a Foghorn (popularized at the Waldorf-Astoria with Old Tom gin) or a Gin Buck, also known as a Dragonfly. Don’t even get me started on the names if the lime is switched for lemon, but you get the idea. It’s simple and simply delicious. Which is just what journey’s end calls for.
Cheers!
Let your spirits fly
Dragonfly (circa 1920)
1 ½ oz gin
½ oz lime
3-4 oz ginger ale
Build ingredients over ice in a tall glass. Stir and enjoy. Garnish with a citrus twist and let your imagination take flight.
This pair looks right at home
For more from this artist:
For more highball cocktails: