Karakuri Moon and Bear puzzle tells a story about a simple brown bear who decided to become a Moon Bear. FYI: Moon Bears are also known as Asian Black Bears so yeah, it is a real animal. This bear species has a cool-looking white crescent shape mark on their chests that actually resembles a moon.
So here we are, trying to solve this puzzle and also helping a bear to achieve his dream of becoming a moon bear. Isn’t it nice?
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Name: | Karakuri Moon and Bear |
| Brand: | Karakuri Creation Group |
| Level (Complexity): | Tricky (4) |
| Type: | Wooden Puzzles / Wooden Puzzle Boxes |
| Object: | Open the hidden compartment |
| Estimated time: | Up to 30 minutes |
| Size: | Bear: 15.5×8.5×5.5 cm Storage space: 1.95×4.35×2.15 cm. |
| Packaging: | Cardboard box |
| Materials used: | Walnut, Lacquer tree |
| Where to Buy: | Puzzlemaster |
About Karakuri Moon and Bear
Karakuri Moon and Bear is a Japanese Puzzle Box and looks like a wooden bear with a crescent moon in its hand (yeah, it’s not a banana!). The object is to open a small compartment that is hidden inside the bear’s belly so you can store something small and precious there.
Features
This is not the easiest Karakuri I have encountered so far. It takes quite some time to solve and understand the trick behind the mechanism. At first, it seems obvious, but the exact solution always eluded me and I have spent close to 30 minutes trying to solve it.
Safe to say, the woodwork is very good. You cannot see any seams and nothing gives away the solution – the bear looks like one solid block of woof without any hidden compartments — at first glance.
The puzzle is, of course, quite pricey — no surprise, it is handcrafted in Japan and is sent directly to you, most of the time.
Lastly, for people who just want to have a neat looking box with a secret — there is a small sheet with a solution that comes together with the puzzle. For others — you will have to learn your way around those springs and magnets to open the belly of the beast.
Conclusion
- It’s one of the cutest karakuri boxes I’ve seen so far. The quality is very good. The only drawback is that the hidden compartment is quite small. You can store a ring or two there, but don’t count anything bigger than that.
- A great gift for people who love gimmicky trinkets.
Where to Buy Karakuri Moon and Bear
Karakuri Moon and Bear Puzzle Solution
- Placing the moon on the bears’ chest will allow you to pull up the small tile on the bear’s back. That will release a spring and the hidden compartment will pop out.
Let us know in comments what you think about Bear and Moon Puzzle👇
