A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
Tornado
Master craftsman Akio Kamei, the founder of the Karakuri Creation Group of Japanese artisans, is famous for his ability to create pieces that tell a story. His work is prized for its novelty, beauty and ingenuity. It’s no wonder that he has been a source of inspiration and admiration for American artist Kagen Sound, whose own work is highly prized for similar reasons.
Apricot II
Should the east winds blow,
Carry to me the fragrance
Of apricot bloom;
And though your master is gone,
Never forget the springtime.
- Sugawara no Michizane
Coffee Cup
“They slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they never recovered.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gold Chest
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” – J.R.R.Tolkien
Double Box
What’s better than a single puzzle box? Why, a double dose, of course. And who better that Akio Kamei to provide this double delight.
Box with a Key
Let’s step back and admire our old friend and champion of the modern day puzzle box, Japanese master Akio Kamei.
Whisky Bottle
Happy World Whisky Day! This holiday really takes me back. All the way to Babylon and Mesopotamia in 2000 BC! Evidence of fermented, distilled grain (whisky!) exists from archaeological sites in the middle east dating all the way back to those ancient times.
Spring Box
The Spring Box is a cube of walnut wood with large holes on all six sides through which you can see another cube of red rose wood. The internal cube floats in place, held by the opposing forces of six large springs.
Love Box 5
Kamei created a number of “Love Box” puzzles shaped like little hearts. No. 5 is a cute little piece in dark wood, with a bright yellow wood ribbon, and a red cloth lined secret compartment.
Rotary Box II
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a seven year old boy went to the movies with his grandparents on his birthday. He was just as thrilled as everyone else, watching what would become one of the icons of popular culture in our time.
Zougan Book
Akio Kamei of the Karakuri Creation Group (inspirer of many fine boxes and booze) made a series of special book puzzles with differing designs. Some have geometric patterns with classic Yosegi marquetry wood inlay, some have cute stripes in alternating colors, and some have a beautiful “Zougan” style wooden inlay depicting lovely cranes.
Cassiopeia
If you look to the heavens this time of year, in the north - northeastern sky at sundown, you may be able to find a bright constellation in the shape of a “W” or “M” depending on your perspective. You would be looking at Cassiopeia, the Queen of Ethiopia and mother of Andromeda (who floats nearby along with her hero Perseus).
Electric Circuit
In the very first post of this blog I suggested that there were many metaphors to be had at the expense of boxes and booze, and that we would explore them all. There may be a few in this post, so you have been warned.
New Secret Box
The Japanese puzzle box has its origins in the Hakone – Odawara mountain region of Japan over 100 years ago. The region is home to numerous species of colorful hard woods, and has been a center for woodwork in Japan for centuries.