Double Symmetry · Puzzle Master

Kevin Sadler writes about Double Symmetry: Osanori-san designs fabulous packing puzzles which I have reviewed many times on my blog but he also is very well known for his stunning interlocking designs that require a very well hidden sequence of moves to dismantle. This gorgeous creation in Ash and Wenge has a beautifully edged frame and 4 pieces interlocked inside. Obviously the aim is to take it apart and this is much easier said than done. It becomes clear quite quickly that the name of the puzzle comes from the fact that the 2 pairs of identical pieces have been arranged symmetrically in several directions (rotational in the X/Y plane and also in the X/Z plane).  It is a nice clever sequence as one would expect from Osanori. Having taken this apart in the evening, I left it overnight and set to the reassembly from scratch with only a very vague memory of the sequence I had previously found. The challenge is absolutely perfect! It takes a lot of thought and discovery (with several false starts) to reassemble the puzzle and give a good sense of satisfaction. As always, this puzzle is made with amazing quality that we have come to expect from Pelikan! Designer: Osanori YamamotoMaterial: Ash / Wenge