Puzzle box

A Himitsu Bako (Japanese秘密 箱, dt " mystery box ") is a fitted with a mechanism wooden box that releases a contained secret compartment only after a certain routine to the elements of the box. It is a special form of the combination lock, which can also be interpreted as a mechanical puzzle.

Himitsu Bako are classified according to their length in the sun, with a 3.03 cm corresponds sun. Together with one or several compartments of the box occasionally with a number of movable elements, such as bars, buttons and lids is provided in a particular sequence permits the actuation of the opening in a given number of steps. Easier boxes can be opened in little more than 20 steps. More sophisticated models give only after 60 or more steps of their contents award. Individual, not easily commercially available copies come on up to 324 steps.

History

The first predecessor of today's Himitsu Bako were mentioned in 1840 as souvenirs that were sold in Hakone by travelers on the Tōkaidō. The first trick boxes were still very small. Versions that could also accommodate larger items like tool, developed erst These early designs had relatively simple mechanisms for opening, but were more complex than this way to protect their property from thieves, was popular.

The first such cases were not decorated like today's Himitsu Bako. Only at the beginning of the Meiji period they were decorated with the long cherished in Hakone wood mosaic technique ( Yosegi - Zaiku ) that characterizes its characteristic appearance to this day. Even large shapes with several dozen opening steps have now been developed.

1984 Himitsu Bako was declared the traditional craft work within the meaning of the law for the promotion of traditional crafts. In addition to the conditions as favorable as purchasable cheap manufactured productions from Japan and abroad, the comparatively expensive works of master workshops in Hakone are offered as typical regional handicrafts even today.