Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is a Japanese puzzle box?

1 Answer
What is a Japanese puzzle box?
A Japanese puzzle box, called himitsu-bako, are wooden boxes which keep items safe from theft through an intricate mechanical pattern. These boxes require specific steps moving the mechanism to release the obscured lid, opening to reveal the cavity within.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Related Questions
View All Questions
Shop for Japanese Wooden Box on 1stDibs
Antique Japanese wooden box , Japandi, Wabi-sabi
Located in Katori-Shi, 12
A tasteful Showa-era retro cigarette case with the beautiful grain of the keyaki wood. The texture that has been used over time enhances its warm charm. Originally made as a cigaret...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese wooden box , Japandi, Wabi-sabi

Antique Japanese wooden box , Japandi, Wabi-sabi

$950
Small Japanese Wooden Box with Drawers and Floral Design, Japan, 20th Century
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
A small Japanese wooden chest of drawers (kodansu), dating from the early 20th century. With two
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

Small Japanese Wooden Box with Drawers and Floral Design, Japan, 20th Century

Small Japanese Wooden Box with Drawers and Floral Design, Japan, 20th Century

$340
Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box
By Japanese Studio
Located in Miami, FL
, Japanese wooden box designed in the Art Deco style and of the period. This rare antique rosewood trinket
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Porcelain

Materials

Rosewood

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box

$1,050
Japanese Antique Paper Covered Wooden Box, Late 19th Century
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Old box made of cedar wood covered with paper. It is from around the Meiji era (1868-1912). Details
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Decorative Boxes

Materials

Paper, Cedar

Japanese Antique Paper Covered Wooden Box, Late 19th Century

Japanese Antique Paper Covered Wooden Box, Late 19th Century

$680
Japanese Meiji Period Lacquered Wooden Box w/ Original Outer Case, Ca. 1880
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Lacquered Wooden Box w/ Original Outer Case, Ca. 1880 Meiji Period
Category

Antique 1880s Japanese Japonisme Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Japanese Meiji Period Lacquered Wooden Box w/ Original Outer Case, Ca. 1880

Japanese Meiji Period Lacquered Wooden Box w/ Original Outer Case, Ca. 1880

$3,800
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Unusual Box
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese enameled wooden box. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The box has a rectangular
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Unusual Box

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Unusual Box

$2,500
Shop All