Common Puzzle Box Terms

Here we have provided you with a series of frequently used Terms used when talking about the Japanese Puzzle Box.

 

Akaasa	Aka=red/crimson/scarlet asa=flax/linen/hemp
Aka Fuji	Fuji refers to Mt. Fuji (see the above picture)
Hanko	Seal used for the Craftsman's signature
Hakone	Japanese town where Himitsu Bako are crafted
Hana	Flower/Petals
Himitsu Bako	Himitsu means Secret and Bako means Box
Ichimatsu	A checked pattern
Jindaisaya	Jindai means "Ancient Time" and Saya is Traditional Japanese pattern
Kagome	Woven Bamboo Wood
Kaminari Fuji	Kaminari=lightning/thunder   Fuji=Mt. Fuji
Karakuri	Mechanism/Trick/Device
Katsura	Japanese Judas Tree
Kikkou	Tortoise shell pattern
Kirichigai	Kire=to cut  Chigai=different
Kisaya	Ki=yellow  Saya=Traditional Japanese pattern
Koyosegi	Many yosegi samples that are connected or joined creating a much larger pattern
Kumiki	Traditional japanese wooden puzzle toys
Kuroasa	Kuro=black or dark  Asa=hemp
Mame	Mame=Bean and generally refers to a smaller box (usually 1 Sun or minature)
Maru	Circle
Momiji	Maple or Autumn colors
Muku	Purity
Nami	Wave
Ran	Random
Ruiji	Resemblance or similarity
Sakura	Cherry Blossom or Cherry Tree
Sansui	Mountain Lake
Seigaiha	A wave design made of the arches of concentric circles superimposed upon one another so that only the upper portion of each set of circles is visible.
Sun	Referring to size of the box  (1 Sun = 1.22 inches)
Tobrizuru	Usually used in reference to flying Geese or Cranes in Zougan marquetry
Utamaro	Woodblock artists famous for Ukiyoe style prints
Uroko	Scale (of fish)
Yabane	Arrow feathers
Yosegi or Yoseki	Yoseru=To put aside/gather  Ki=Wood
Zougan	Japanese traditional handicraft or marquetry