Tulip 1

Designer: Osanori Yamamoto

This puzzle measures: 55 mm x 55 mm x 55 mm

Material: Padouk / Wenge

Move: 13.3.2

Kevin Sadler wrote about it:

“My copy of Tulip 1 is made from a vibrant red Padauk and contrasting Wenge. The name seems to allude to the shape of the opening in the box. At first glance, it appears like a standard 2x2x2 shaped gap but after a moment of play with the puzzle, it rapidly becomes clear that the opening is severely restricted by a diagonal segment covering 2 of the interior corners. Osanori has used this method of constraint quite a lot over the last year or so and it really ups the level of challenge. Having taken the pieces out from the frame, I discovered that one of the pieces was particularly complex and should severely restrict the ways the pieces can be inserted. Maybe that will make it an easier challenge? Who am I kidding? I even struggled to find a 3x3x3 cube assembly which covered the large hole at the front and the unit hole opposite at the back. Eventually I found the real challenge, that large complex piece is heavily constrained and if I place it first then the placement of the other 2 pieces is made very difficult. The key to this is to think and try and use every single feature of the puzzle. The holes are not only for covering they are also intended to aid the movement of the pieces. I worked on this one for 3 days before my Aha! moment hit me and I packed the puzzle properly – it is a genius challenge. The total move count is 18 which is an indication of the difficulty (disassembly level 13.3.2).”