Wooden Dog Kumiki Puzzle

These beautiful wooden puzzles are called "Kumiki" in Japanese. Kumiki, roughly translates to "woven or interlocking wood." They are also known as burr puzzles. 

This Wooden Dog Kumiki is just delightful! He measures nearly 7 inches long, is a bit over 4 inches tall and is approx. 1-3/4 inches wide. He displays very well!

Kumiki puzzles are embellishments on the traditional burr to create shapes of familiar objects.  Each puzzle is handcrafted, and each is a small work of art.

A common thought is that these puzzles evolved from training projects or assignments given to students by the master woodworkers of Japan centuries ago; an aid in the art of constructing wooden buildings using only interlocking pieces, no metal parts or fasteners. This type of construction proved immune to the effects of earthquakes so common in Japan.