Yosegi

is a type of traditional Japanese parquetry which originated in Japan’s culturally rich Edo Period. It has been increasingly well reputed in foreign countries. The mosaic work is made by making best use of natural fine grains and textures of wood. Timbers of different colors are cut into oblong rods of desired sections.

Yosegi veneers are commonly found on the outside of Japanese secret boxes ("himitsu-bako") or puzzle boxes, but may also be used to decorate many other items such as trays, chests, photo frames but the most common use is to decorate the surface of the Japanese "yosegi" Puzzle boxes. The boxes differ in sizes and number of moves. The size is usually measured in the traditional Japanese units of measurement called the “sun” (pronounced "soon"). Measurement in sun gives the approximate size of the box. Some well-known masters pride themselves in making unique boxes that do not follow any size guidelines. Explanation of boxes sizes and number of moves required to open a box can be found here: [http://benegifts.benestudio.com/yosegi.html Puzzle Box sizes.]

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Spindle tree and ilex macropoda are used for white, aged Katsura tree for black, picrasma quassioides, mulberry and sumac for yellow, camphor tree and maackia for brown, American walnut tree for purple, Japanese cucumber tree for blue and Chinese cedar for red, etc.)

The rods are then glued together to form the section of geometrical pattern designed. The sectional surface is sliced into thin plates of wood, which are glued onto boxes and other handicraft works. To add to glaze and sturdiness of the surface, finish coatings are applied.

---- [http://www.benegifts.com/Yosegi-Himitsu-Bako-Japanese-Secret-Puzzle-Boxes_p_2-50.html This is the detailed description of Yosegi Making process]

[http://www.yosegipuzzlebox.com Web-site dedicated to Yosegi products]