A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
![Kakoi](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1636748391769-BV7F7BUU37VDS5ZUS5UL/IMG_0561.jpg)
![Magic Hat](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1635444483502-CBEJQATLOJM81OGDP3B5/IMG_0382.jpg)
![Kuchinashi (Gardenia)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1626457978245-ZX1LLCGNGHPBUA60GVI5/Kuchinashi.jpg)
Kuchinashi (Gardenia)
Shogi, often referred to as “Japanese Chess”, dates from over five hundred years ago, around the same time that Western chess was invented.
![In a Cage](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1624208559905-WDXFW6CEJPFX514RTJWJ/Cages.jpg)
![Sweet Tooth Tiger](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1606519237526-C8ZHR1Y9M6WTHY3SDS0G/Sweet+Tooth+Tiger.jpg)
Sweet Tooth Tiger
The Japanese zodiac is divided into a twelve year cycle, with repeating blocks of years represented by a different animal. It is said that you pick up a few characteristics from the animal year you were born during.
![Snail Box (Creative Secret 1)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1627320684010-BNEXSJ5Z7YMUQV0J0LRJ/image2%2B%25282%2529.jpg)
Snail Box (Creative Secret 1)
Sloeing things down a bit on the puzzling side as well, I present the “Snail” box, a collaborative effort from the Karakuri Creation Group.
![Dragon Wing](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1627320260342-F7MEGJJ3B6ZKEVKY8P01/image1.jpg)
Dragon Wing
Shiro Tajima, a former member of the Karakuri Creation Group, has created a series of Asian zodiac themed puzzle boxes over the years.
![The Monkey’s Palanquin](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb580b091db0704dc270739/1618780244498-9ZHSB2OOPC5AQOUHKHE0/image1.jpg)
The Monkey’s Palanquin
It’s hard to imagine how a simple wooden box can surprise you. Most of the time, it's just a box, with a lid that comes off, just like you would expect. But you still want to open it. The fact that it is a box implies its opening function, and something inside you is compelled by that function. So you try to open it, lift the lid, turn the latch, swing the hinges.