Drawer of Stepping Monument (2018) - Hiroshi Iwahara (Karakuri)

Hiroshi Iwahara is known for unusual and intricate puzzle mechanisms, and this is one of his best.  Karakuri gives the English name of this puzzle box as “Drawer of Stepping Monument”, but its Japanese name is “飛び石の引出”, which Google translates to the more accurate “Stepping Stone Drawer”.   Somehow the beautifully crafted “stepping stones” along the top – which we are told represent a string of islands – are a clue to the solution.  Whatever is going on inside is also remarkable – it’s hard to say much without giving spoilers, but both the solution and its reset make me wish I could see inside to understand how the thing actually works.   Drawer of Stepping Monument is large, extremely fun to hold and manipulate, and looks impressive on a shelf.  All original packing material is included.

Karakuri product description:

This work was designed for an exhibition that theme is “Travel”.

All of the beautiful Yosegi is actually part of the Karakuri. The design perspective is of the viewpoint taken from above and looking down. The shape of the cube and the corresponding position is the hint to opening the drawer. The design and Karakuri were linked in a virtual image. The title is from the Yosegi of RF-8. On the design, Yosegi was used as the device. So,if you move the device while regarding them as islands, it may be helpful if you think of the tour of the islands at Matsushima, Miyagi, a tourist spot.

Size: 160×170×66 mm

Material: Walnut, Magnolia, Padauk, Keyaki, etc.

Condition: Perfect

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