{"title":"Karakuri Puzzle Boxes","description":"\u003cp\u003eIngenious mechanisms hide beneath deceptively simple forms. \u003cstrong\u003eKarakuri puzzle boxes\u003c\/strong\u003e are handcrafted wooden puzzles rooted in the celebrated puzzle-making tradition of Hakone, Japan, where craftsmanship, curiosity, and clever engineering come together in objects designed to keep their secrets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur collection features Japanese puzzle boxes from the \u003cstrong\u003eKarakuri Creation Group\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose craftspeople transform fine woods into boxes that may slide, shift, turn, deceive, or behave in entirely unexpected ways. From playful beginner puzzles to intricate challenges for experienced collectors, each invites you to discover the hidden mechanism for yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore more \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese puzzle boxes\u003c\/strong\u003e and secret-opening designs in our complete \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.artofplay.com\/collections\/puzzle-boxes?filter.v.availability=1\" title=\"Puzzle Boxes\"\u003ePuzzle Boxes\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"shutter-puzzle-box","title":"Shutter Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe discovered this beautiful puzzle while traveling through the mountains of Hakone, Japan. We were already impressed with the seven exotic kinds of wood used in the construction but when we saw the top slide open, our jaws dropped. The rotating mechanism reminded us of a camera shutter or a blooming flower. Turns out, the designer, Hiroshi Iwahara, was inspired by robot anime and the spiraling metal doors that led to a secret base. If you decide to invest in this collector's item, you may notice a rattling sound even after you think you've opened the box. Well, that's just a little extra treasure still waiting to be discovered... Remember, this puzzle box was inspired by a \"secret base.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted from shiuri cherry, katsura, oak, walnut, padauk ancient katsura, and keyaki(zelkova). Extremely limited quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":238060044304,"sku":"004-E3-SHUTTER-PUZZLE-BOX","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/shutter-puzzle-box-open.png?v=1636420187"},{"product_id":"eighteen-stripe-puzzle-box","title":"Eighteen Stripe Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis intriguing wooden cube is a modern update of traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. The Eighteen Stipe Puzzle box features the same craftsmanship and exterior design as the Six Stripe Puzzle Box, but its solution is much more difficult to discern. The hidden chamber of the 3\" cube measures approximately 1.5\" on all sides. Pick something interesting to stash inside. Otherwise, your prize may be overshadowed by the beauty of the interior mechanisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21921123598394,"sku":"004-F2-EIGHTEEN-STRIPE-PUZZLE-BOX","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/18StripePuzzleBox.png?v=1636419900"},{"product_id":"twelve-stripe-puzzle-box","title":"Twelve Stripe Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis intriguing wooden cube is a modern update of traditional Japanese puzzle boxes. The Twelve Stripe Puzzle box features the same craftsmanship and exterior design as the Six Stripe Puzzle Box, but its solution is much more difficult to discern (meanwhile, it's not quite as difficult as the fiendishly complex Eighteen Stripe Puzzle Box).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hidden chamber of the 3\" cube measures approximately 1.5\" on all sides. Pick something interesting to stash inside. Otherwise, your prize may be overshadowed by the beauty of the interior mechanisms. Designed by the Karakuri Creation Group.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22804359774266,"sku":"004-C3-SECRET-BOX-2","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/12StripePuzzleBox.png?v=1636419923"},{"product_id":"double-puzzle-box","title":"Double Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis excellent puzzle has everything we look for in a trick box; a beautiful exterior, an unexpected mechanism, world-class craftsmanship, and a sizable inner chamber. Unfortunately, supplies are extremely limited since the Double Puzzle Box is made by hand and the inner construction is very complex. This puzzle measures 5x3x2 inches which means it can hold a larger prize than many of our other trick boxes, perfect for special gifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtremely limited quantities. Handmade in the Hakone mountains of Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":23089106387002,"sku":"004-F2-DOUBLE-BOX","price":222.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/doublepuzzlebox.png?v=1636419989"},{"product_id":"baku-puzzle-box-no-3","title":"Baku Puzzle Box, No. 3","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis nifty puzzle box harkens back to a rich tradition of secret boxes made in the misty mountains of Japan. The hidden mechanisms that lock the \u003cstrong\u003eBaku Puzzle Box\u003c\/strong\u003e were developed over 100 years ago so whatever small treasure you place inside will be protected by a time-tested puzzle. Related to the Fidget Puzzle Box \u0026amp; Maple Baby, Baku features a more traditional 4-step mechanism and opens in a completely different way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30946746728585,"sku":"004-A5-BAKU-BOX-3","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/karakurismallboxno.3.png?v=1636420010"},{"product_id":"new-wave-puzzle-box","title":"New Wave Small Puzzle Box No. 1","description":"\u003cp\u003eInside this innocent-looking wooden cube lies a secret chamber. However, upon first glance, the walnut exterior doesn't appear to have any seams, let alone moving pieces... How does it open? Curiosity and experimentation are rewarded, not only by the treasure inside but also with the satisfaction of discovering the ingenious hidden mechanism of the box itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sleek, modern update of the classic Himitsu-Bako design, New Wave makes a great first puzzle box for beginners, yet also provides a surprising challenge for experienced collectors. After admiring the expert craftsmanship up close, you'll see why Japanese puzzle boxes are widely considered to be the finest in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32252054044809,"sku":"004-E3-NEW-WAVE-BOX-1","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/NewWavePuzzleBox2.png?v=1636419467"},{"product_id":"expansion-puzzle-box","title":"Expansion Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Our new favorite puzzle box requires an act of bravery to open. The maple exterior is emblazoned with a triple stripe of walnut, black cherry and zelkova wood. Though the design may look familiar to collectors, Expansion is a daring twist on tradition. The \\\"secret move\\\" that unlocks the box is both exciting and nerve wracking. The solution is not terribly difficult, technically but it does require a creative leap. Our suggestion is to experiment over a mattress... Limited quantities available. Made by hand in the Hakone mountains of Japan.\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":13121,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":0,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":10}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur new favorite puzzle box requires an act of bravery to open. The maple exterior is emblazoned with a triple stripe of walnut, black cherry, and zelkova wood. Though the design may look familiar to collectors, Expansion is a daring twist on tradition. The \"secret move\" that unlocks the box is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The solution is not terribly difficult, technically but it does require a creative leap. Our suggestion is to experiment over a mattress...\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Our new favorite puzzle box requires an act of bravery to open. The maple exterior is emblazoned with a triple stripe of walnut, black cherry and zelkova wood. Though the design may look familiar to collectors, Expansion is a daring twist on tradition. The \\\"secret move\\\" that unlocks the box is both exciting and nerve wracking. The solution is not terribly difficult, technically but it does require a creative leap. Our suggestion is to experiment over a mattress... Limited quantities available. Made by hand in the Hakone mountains of Japan.\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":13121,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":0,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":10}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLimited quantities are available. Made by hand in the Hakone mountains of Japan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36249311150232,"sku":"004-D2-EXPANSION-BOX","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/karakuriexpansion.png?v=1636419581"},{"product_id":"puzzle-drawer-box","title":"Visible Drawer Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eExquisite craftsmanship and clever calculations combine to create two exceedingly difficult puzzle boxes perfect for fans of advanced mathematics. The Ternary Box requires eighteen moves to open and the Quinary Box requires fifty! Please don't ask us to explain the underlying mathematical principles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by the brilliant craftsman Hiroshi Iwahara, both Visible Drawer Puzzle Boxes are made from Walnut, Wenge, Padouk, Maple and acrylic \"see-through\" panels (hence the name \"Visible\"). Please note: the hidden storage compartment is considerably smaller than the exterior of the box. Made by hand in the Hakone mountains of Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Ternary","offer_id":41275969437848,"sku":"004-I1-VISIBLE-DRAWER-PUZZLE-TERNARY-3","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Quinary","offer_id":41275969470616,"sku":"004-I1-VISIBLE-DRAWER-PUZZLE-QUINARY-5","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/Karakuri-Visible-3-Ary-Drawe_6e1b27ee-33dd-4bb2-9b7e-82f8d5c986f2.png?v=1636459907"},{"product_id":"deception-puzzle-box","title":"Deception Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eA masterful example of beauty in simplicity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis innocent-looking wooden box uses traditional woodworking techniques to create a powerful visual deception. By the time you attempt to lift the hinged lid, you've already been fooled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Japanese puzzle master Hiroshi Iwahara, Deception Box only takes one move to open but the misdirection to a false solution is so convincing it's almost humorous. Crafted from prized teak and adorned with a yosegi tile made by Yoshiyuki Ninomiya. One of our favorite puzzle boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41352996847768,"sku":"004-B3-DECEPTION-PUZZLE-BOX","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/products\/deception-box-karakuri-puzzle.png?v=1638804245"},{"product_id":"magic-book-puzzle-box","title":"Magic Book Puzzle Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautifully deceptive object disguised as an ordinary book, the Magic Book Puzzle by the Karakuri Creation Group transforms classic craftsmanship into a moment of wonder. Open its pages to reveal a hidden drawer—place a small item inside, close it, and watch as it mysteriously vanishes upon reopening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted from a selection of fine woods and engineered with the group’s signature precision, this puzzle embodies the quiet magic of traditional Japanese karakuri design—where simplicity, elegance, and surprise converge in a single, unforgettable interaction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"So Shi Te Co., Ltd.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48882010226840,"sku":"004-C5-BOOK-PUZZLE-BOX","price":285.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0200\/7616\/files\/magic-puzzle-box-closed.png?v=1777331402"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.artofplay.com\/collections\/karakuri-puzzle-boxes.oembed","provider":"Art of Play","version":"1.0","type":"link"}