~ Quagmire Puzzle Boxes ~
Unique Handcrafted Wooden Boxes

~ History of Puzzle Boxes ~

Puzzle boxes go by many other names such as secret boxes, trick opening boxes and even locking trick boxes just to name a few. It is estimated that the first of these "personal boxes" came about in Japan most likely before the 1800's. Established in the Hakone-Odawara region of Japan, this area is known for its abundant variety of trees producing a wide variety of natural wood colors. These colorful woods are used to create the distinctive and often elaborate pattern overlays known as Yosegi or Zougan for which they are so readily recognized for. Japan has exported secret puzzle boxes to the West since around the 1870's. These wooden boxes are often complex and may require many "moves" to open them. So the puzzle is actually the box itself and the challenge of course is to figure out the puzzle to get into the secret compartment inside. The technique was past down for many generations from master craftsman to apprentice. In 1984 the unique craft of Traditional Japanese puzzle boxes was designated a National Traditional Handicraft by the International Trade & Industry Minister of Japan. From these very talented craftsman evolved an idea and art that fascinates everyone that see them for the first time. Currently, there are still many master craftsman and apprentice producing them and keeping the art style alive. They are available in many sizes, difficulty configurations and artistic patterns. And what is great about of these puzzle boxes is that, unlike any other type of puzzles, you can actually put something inside them for keeping your secret things from unwitting subjects. It was these unique puzzle boxes that motivated artist Randal Gatewood to design and build his own puzzle-istic art sold here on Quagmire Puzzle Boxes.com. 

~ QPB's Unique Handcrafted Wooden Puzzle Boxes ~

Handcrafted wooden boxes by Quagmire Puzzle Boxes™ are much more than just another puzzle box. These unique boxes are completely Original designs created by artist, inventor and master craftsman Randal Gatewood. His mechanical puzzle boxes have names like: The Double Crossed, The Keepers Key Safe,  Box of ZN , (Box of Zen) and the Ultimate Personal Box (UPB Box). Each of these handcrafted puzzle boxes is really a mechanical wooden puzzle - disguised within the boxes design, i.e., the puzzle is built into the box. So obviously the challenge is to open the puzzle box. These are really very tricky boxes and a lot of fun... well, fun if you like a good challenge! Many of these complex designs are made the "old school" way using basic woodworking tools and often require hand built tools and jigs to be made. Creating these unique designs involves many hours of contemplation, imagination, sketching, fabricating and prototyping. The 3 dimensional aspects of Randal's puzzle boxes add real depth to the details making each of these unique designs an inspired work of art combined with mechanical woodworking ingenuity. Randal says that process of creating his designs is a very artistic expression – what he likes to call working art, because they are something that you can really interact with as well as display for their esthetic value. And because these tricky boxes were designed to be used as well as looked at, they really can make a great stash box to place everything from jewelry, secret documents or any other favorite keepsakes. The Original Limited Edition designs have been purchased by collectors and enthusiast around the world. If you're looking for really unique handcrafted hardwood puzzle boxes, one of our designs may be just what your looking for! Click here to read more about Randal G. All of Randal’s designs are engraved with his signature logo to distinguish his work. His limited editions also include a serial number engraved on each piece and come with a certificate of authenticity, care instructions, and of course the secret operating solution. As a courtesy to our clients that purchase Randal's work, we only makes the solutions available to the original purchaser and all of the documentation is copyrighted. Some of his designs have actually sold out before he got them completed. Because only a few designs come out each year, knowing when a puzzle box is going to be released before it is made public is possible by signing up for our QPB newsletter.  No worries, we will only send out a newsletter when there is a new release. No spam and your information is kept completely private.