The Attic

© Nakajima Chinami

Yamatakajindai-zakura (Chinami)

A stunning portrayal of a real tree in Yamanashi Prefecture (just north of Mount Fuji) - said to be up to 2000 years old.

Around 90 percent of the area of this puzzle consists of pink blossoms against the abstract background of luxurious gold, so this puzzle will not be easy!

Born in 1945 in Nagano, in the mountains of central Japan, Nakajima Chinami is a successful painter and illustrator.

He signs his paintings with his given (brush?) name Chinami, together with a fanciful seal - perhaps representing his whole name, which could be poetically rendered "Middle-island of the thousand waves."

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23017 (23-017 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© Nakajima Chinami

Miharu weeping cherry (Chinami)

A portrayal of the famous weeping cherry in Miharu, in northern Japan. This enormous tree is said to be at least 1000 years old. The town of Miharu (lit. "three springs") is said to be derived from the local simultaneous blossoming of plum, peach, and cherry trees.

Chinami's painting makes a gorgeous work of art, and as a puzzle it presents a formidable challenge.

Born in 1945 in Nagano, in the mountains of central Japan, Nakajima Chinami is a successful painter and illustrator.

He signs his paintings with his given (brush?) name Chinami, sometimes together with a fanciful seal - perhaps representing his whole name, which could be poetically rendered "Middle-island of the thousand waves."

This puzzle is cut to make pieces harder to find.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E11312 (11-312 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© David Lee

Dancing blossom (Lee)

A traditional yet dynamic composition of blooms (tree peonies?) is set against a sumptuous gold background.

Born in Canton, China, in 1944, David Lee grew up in Hong Kong, the son of a doctor. His father told him he could be an artist instead of a doctor, as the family hoped, if he could win the Chinese National Painting Competition - which he did, being the youngest winner ever.

He trained in traditional painting techniques, earning a fine arts degree from Taiwan University. He now has a home in Hawaii, and his works are exhibited in art galleries around the world.

Permanently unavailable
An Apollo puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: P10818 (10-818 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© David Lee

Royal irises (Lee)

Sumptuous purple-shaded irises are set agains an equally rich gold background.

Born in Canton, China, in 1944, David Lee grew up in Hong Kong, the son of a doctor. His father told him he could be an artist instead of a doctor, as the family hoped, if he could win the Chinese National Painting Competition - which he did, being the youngest winner ever.

He trained in traditional painting techniques, earning a fine arts degree from Taiwan University. He now has a home in Hawaii, and his works are exhibited in art galleries around the world.

Permanently unavailable
An Apollo puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: P10819 (10-819 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© Shogo Kariyazaki, Masayuki Hayashi

Waraku (Kariyazaki)

A modern ikebana master presents a profusion of autumnal flowers and fruits - chrysanthemums and daisies cluster under red maple leaves, while persimmons hang low. And all this to a backdrop of ornate gold-leaf decorated fusuma, the sliding dividing screens.

The title, Waraku, might be loosely translated "Peaceful pleasure".

Kariyazaki's website

Born in Tokyo in 1958, Kariyazaki (his family name) studied in the Sogetsu school of ikebana, or traditional flower arranging, then developed his own style of "space arrangement". He has been responsible for interior decoration at many VIP events, notably the tenth anniversary celebrations of the current Emperor's enthronement, and President Clinton's visit to Tokyo. While running his own studio, he still finds time for frequent TV appearances.

Permanently unavailable
A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y101004 (10-1004 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

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© Nansei Sakagami

Peony (Nansei)

A huge single bloom of the stately flower properly known as tree peony or Rock's peony, set against a gold background.

Originally from China, it has been known since ancient times as a source of herbal remedies and also for decoration.

Born in 1947 in Mie Prefecture, the artist studied traditional Japanese painting techniques at the Tokyo National University of Fine Art, and specialises in classic styles such as screen paintings, while also producing a wide range of other works in oils and other media. He has also server as illustrator for a number of newspaper serialisations.

Sakagami is his family name: he writes his name as Nansei Sakagami on his website. He signs his paintings Nan (the single character, meaning the camphor tree), with a seal of his given name Nansei.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 500 pieces; 490 x 360 mm (19" x 14")
Code: B65204 (65-204 on package)
Retail price ¥2000

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© Nansei Sakagami

Chrysanthemums (Nansei)

Three blooms of chrysanthemum form a simple but elegant composition...

Born in 1947 in Mie Prefecture, the artist studied traditional Japanese painting techniques at the Tokyo National University of Fine Art, and specialises in classic styles such as screen paintings, while also producing a wide range of other works in oils and other media. He has also server as illustrator for a number of newspaper serialisations.

Sakagami is his family name: he writes his name as Nansei Sakagami on his website. He signs his paintings Nan (the single character, meaning the camphor tree), with a seal of his given name Nansei.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 500 pieces; 490 x 360 mm (19" x 14")
Code: B65205 (65-205 on package)
Retail price ¥2000

More puzzles like this one