This fantastic Koala Bear 3-D handmade wood puzzle box is made from inlaid wood forming a three dimensional picture in a process called Intarsia. When you remove the secret puzzle piece, the lid can be lifted off to reveal a secret compartment where you can keep your treasures. Be sure to click on the larger image to get the full impact of this intricate wood inlay procedure, the results are absolutely stunning!

This is a one-of-a kind piece of art, no two are exactly alike, so the picture shown is representative of the one you will receive. 5" L x 4" W x 2"H

This original art can be shipped internationally.

Intarsia (pronounced intär´sEu) is an art or technique of decorating a surface with inlaid patterns, especially of wood mosaic. It is similar to inlay, but where inlay is flat, intarsia is three-dimensional. This effect is achieved by a series of steps.

First, a two-dimensional pattern is developed on heavy translucent paper. The image is then divided into smaller pieces, much like a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece is designated with a grain line direction, which will help create the dimensional look of the completed work.

The pieces are then cut out individually from a variety of wood species that have different colors and grains. The individual wood pieces are shaped and fitted together to form the three-dimensional picture.

Intarsia is thought to have been developed during the thirteenth century Renaissance period in Siena, Italy. The process was derived from the Middle Eastern inlays of ivory upon wood. This art was widely practiced in Italy from c.1400 to c.1600. The fashion for intarsia declined thereafter, although some works in this medium were still produced. Intarsia work was also practiced to a limited extent in eighteenth century Japan, Imperial Rome, Egypt, and Persia.