Surprising Drawer

Surprise!

“In these matters, the only certainty is that nothing is certain” – Pliny the Elder

Hakone, Japan is famous for its hot springs, and almost as famous for its trick boxes. In addition to smaller boxes with hidden opening movements, larger trick chests covered in classic mosaic yosegi were a common craft in the region. These had a secret compartment or two tucked away, only known by the owner. Discovering these hidden spaces might have been a surprise. But once someone is expecting to find a secret they know is there, the process becomes puzzling rather than unexpected.

So how does one create something actually surprising in a puzzling object? A set of drawers, for example. What is surprising about that? A plain set of three drawers, like this one, beautifully crafted and ordinary. No one would think twice about them, except for the fact that they come from the Karakuri Creation Group of puzzle box artisans. Knowing that, one would expect a trick. The drawers will not, most likely, simply open when pulling on them. Fine, but that again is not surprising, knowing in advance that these are trick drawers. Particularly for experienced “solvers”, finding the trick may be satisfying but will hardly be surprising. Unless, of course, the designer has had this goal in mind, and has set out to defy expectations. That is indeed the premise of the Surprising Drawer, invented by Yosuke Tanaka for the 12th annual Karakuri Idea Design contest, and masterfully brought to life by Osamu Kasho. These plain looking drawers make no pretense about their purpose – they are meant to surprise you! It’s hard to imagine how that might be accomplished, and not knowing what to expect adds to the experience. Giving away the surprise would be in very bad form, of course, but I will reveal a few things. The drawers deliver on their promise, more than once, and will leave you with a smile on your face. The Surprising Drawer holds everything that is wonderful about the Karakuri Group inside.

“In vino veritas” (In wine, there is truth) – Pliny the Elder

Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder, was a commander of the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. He was also an author, a naturalist, a philosopher, and compiled one of the first encyclopedias, the Naturalis Historia, among many works that survived. A few of his comments are fairly well known, although may not always be quoted exactly, such as the sentiment that the only certainty in life is that nothing is certain. I am reminded of this quote every time I open the Surprising Drawer.

Pliny the Elder might have enjoyed this cocktail as well, and is most certainly a surprising source of inspiration for the Surprising Drawer drink pairing. The Pliny’s Tonic is the most popular cocktail on the menu at Anvil Bar and Refuge, Houston’s original drinks emporium and one of the best bars in America, yet was a surprise hit. Anvil’s owner Bobby Heugel relates the origins of the drink, which was called the Forecast and was served prior to Anvil’s opening at Monica Pope’s restaurant, Beavers. The original used an herbal bay leaf syrup created by then head chef Dax McAnear. Heugel explains that the drink can be deconstructed down from a few others but is essentially a spicy gimlet (gin, lime, sugar syrup). At Anvil, Heugel adds habanero tincture to an Eastside, which just adds cucumber to a Southside, which just adds mint to a gimlet. The name derives from an association of cucumber, medicinal properties, and Pliny the Elder, and has been requested at the bar since the earliest days. Here’s to pleasant surprises and the satisfaction they bring – cheers.

Pliny’s Tonic by Bobby Heugel

2 oz gin (Anvil uses Citadel)

1 oz lime

¾ oz simple syrup

8 mint leaves

2 slices cucumber

3-4 dashes habanero tincture (Bittermen’s Hellfire Bitters)

Muddle the cucumber, mint and gin in a tin then add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a favorite glass and use that as a surprising garnish.

See more from Osamu Kasho

Osamu Kasho

One Hand Box

Small Cabin