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An elusive collector's item dating back to 1920-1950. This highly sought-after Japanese puzzle box features a dual-compartment interior and classic Moku-Zougan marquetry.
The Antique Experience: This is a genuine historical artifact, not a modern replica. The aged wood has settled, meaning the sliding panels provide a distinct, stiff friction that requires a delicate touch. We urge you to closely review the photos to appreciate the raw, unvarnished patina and the authentic wear of this exceptional piece.
Sourced from the golden age of Hakone woodworking (Taishō to early Shōwa eras), this pre-WWII puzzle box is a testament to early Japanese engineering. Unsigned and unapologetically raw, it represents the foundational craftsmanship that sparked the global fascination with mechanical secret boxes.
There are no modern polyurethane glosses here. The box boasts a rich, matte patina achieved only through decades of natural aging. The front panel displays a serene Mt. Fuji landscape crafted via Moku-Zougan (wood inlay). The chunky, chevron borders on the sides are immediate giveaways of the manual cutting tools used by early 20th-century artisans.
The internal mechanics are as historically accurate as they are clever. It takes exactly four deliberate moves to unlock the puzzle. Unlike standard single-cavity boxes, this rare model reveals two completely separate compartments—a utilitarian design originally intended to help Japanese merchants separate loose change from highly important personal seal stamps (Inkan).
Condition: Second-hand, a few scratches, particularly on the window panes (see photos above)
Era: Genuine Antique (estimated 1920s - 1950s)
Difficulty: 4 opening steps (classic historical mechanism)
Mechanics: 2 distinct secret compartments
Materials: Solid natural wood, unvarnished vintage finish, Moku-Zougan inlay
Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 6 cm
Included: Solution
Every piece in our Heritage Collection is rigorously inspected and tested by us to guarantee the flawless function and integrity of its mechanism. For your absolute peace of mind, this work is shipped with the utmost care from France, ensuring prompt delivery and absolutely no hidden customs fees within the European Union.
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