yosegi

thumb|Japanese puzzle box thumb|Japanese jewelry box (lit., "parquet work") is a type of traditional Japanese marquetry developed in the town of during the Edo period. Resembling a type of mosaic, is created through the combination of fine oblong rods of wood chosen for their grain, texture and colour, making an intricate surface pattern which is then sliced into thin layers. It is commonly found on traditional Japanese puzzle boxes and similar decorative items. In 1984 it was designated as one of the Traditional Crafts of Japan.

==Technique== The rods are glued together to form large sections of the desired geometric pattern, often called a seed plate, before being sliced into thin layers (in the technique), which are then glued onto boxes and other handicraft works. Alternatively, the entire plate can be carved out (in the technique) to create a single piece. To add to the glaze and sturdiness of the surface, finishing coatings of lacquer are applied.