Overview
This is a classic 'Himitsu-Bako' or secret puzzle box, a masterpiece of Japanese woodworking that requires a specific sequence of sliding panels to open.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Japanese Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku Secret Puzzle Box (Himitsu-Bako), c. 1950s
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
Deep in the mountains of Hakone during the Edo period, artisans developed these 'secret' boxes to hide jewelry, coins, and sensitive documents from prying eyes and highwaymen.
Maker / Origin
The craft is synonymous with the Hakone-Odawara region, where the diverse local timber—ranging from the white of the spindle tree to the deep browns of the katsura—provides a natural palette for the…
Condition & Value
The box shows significant signs of age, including surface abrasions, fading of the pigments on the bird, and a notable crack in the veneer on the landscape side. While highly collectible, the value is tempered by the visible wear and cracking in the veneer.
Research
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