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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
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 Originally made as a cigaret...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

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 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

David Leach Studio Pottery Celadon Tea Bowl with Japanese Box, England, 1980s
By David Leach, Bernard Leach
Located in Malmö, SE
incised linear design. Comes with a custom Japanese wooden box. Great original condition. The bowl has
Category

Vintage 1980s English Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Vintage Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Seattle, WA
Believed to be a Japanese Lacquered wooden butterfly Box. Believed to be early 20th Century
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Japanese Wooden Storage Box, Meiji Period
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese Elm wooden storage box, circa 1890. Meiji Period. Outer decorations in wrought iron
Category

Antique 1880s Furniture

Materials

Iron

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