Kumiki Puzzles
Kumiki puzzles come from the root of Japanese minimalism. In Japanese antiquity Kumiki was taught by master craftsmen to their apprentices as a technique for building without metal parts and fasteners.
It is an ingenious style of woodworking that protected houses from earthquakes as wood fared badly when bolted. Kumiki designs were made from interlocking pieces that were not rigid allowing for more stable structures during earthquakes and tremors.
Tsunetaro Yamanaka, was the first craftsman to apply this philosophy in the design of puzzles – they became famed for their clever interpretation of objects, animals and cars, before branching out to abstract shapes. Many of our puzzles are based on Yamanka’s classic designs.
His great grandson Tadaaki continues the Kumiki culture today.
It is an ingenious style of woodworking that protected houses from earthquakes as wood fared badly when bolted. Kumiki designs were made from interlocking pieces that were not rigid allowing for more stable structures during earthquakes and tremors.
Tsunetaro Yamanaka, was the first craftsman to apply this philosophy in the design of puzzles – they became famed for their clever interpretation of objects, animals and cars, before branching out to abstract shapes. Many of our puzzles are based on Yamanka’s classic designs.
His great grandson Tadaaki continues the Kumiki culture today.
