Solid ichimatsu yosegi
Today, I mainly focused on making the Aruki panels (Moving panels) for the Mame 18-step puzzle boxes that I started a few days ago. Since I’m making about 40 of them this time, I expected the work wouldn’t take too long, and I was able to finish it by the end of the morning.
Rain is forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and the humidity is likely to rise, so I wanted to complete this task in advance. I had made the same type of box about two weeks ago, so the process went smoothly this time.
I’ve realized once again how important it is to make certain boxes regularly. Japanese puzzle boxes involve many “intuitive” steps that can’t be measured with dimensions alone. When a long time passes between making them, it can be difficult to recall the unique process for each type.
In this batch, in addition to my usual solid hexagonal yosegi “one-point” design, I decided to also make an Ichimatsu (checkerboard) version. This one also features a one-point yosegi made from solid wood, using materials such as Beech, Mizuki, and Jindai Katsura woods.
For the top and bottom panels, instead of walnut, I plan to use Rengas wood. I’m always thinking of ways to create unique boxes—something that doesn’t exist elsewhere.
In Japan, the rainy season is approaching. Lately, we’ve already been experiencing what’s called the "Hashiri-tsuyu (early rainy-season)," with frequent showers. It looks like I’ll be continuing to schedule my work carefully, keeping an eye on the weather.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Rain is forecast for tomorrow afternoon, and the humidity is likely to rise, so I wanted to complete this task in advance. I had made the same type of box about two weeks ago, so the process went smoothly this time.
I’ve realized once again how important it is to make certain boxes regularly. Japanese puzzle boxes involve many “intuitive” steps that can’t be measured with dimensions alone. When a long time passes between making them, it can be difficult to recall the unique process for each type.
In this batch, in addition to my usual solid hexagonal yosegi “one-point” design, I decided to also make an Ichimatsu (checkerboard) version. This one also features a one-point yosegi made from solid wood, using materials such as Beech, Mizuki, and Jindai Katsura woods.
For the top and bottom panels, instead of walnut, I plan to use Rengas wood. I’m always thinking of ways to create unique boxes—something that doesn’t exist elsewhere.
In Japan, the rainy season is approaching. Lately, we’ve already been experiencing what’s called the "Hashiri-tsuyu (early rainy-season)," with frequent showers. It looks like I’ll be continuing to schedule my work carefully, keeping an eye on the weather.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
