IN GRAINED
Bespoke Joinery, Furniture & Kitchen Fitting
Bespoke Joinery, Furniture & Kitchen Fitting
*Each piece is handcrafted and unique. The puzzle box you receive will be similar to the images but with its own individual character.
Stock: 5
True wisdom is guarded by those who do not sleep. This intriguing Puzzle Box, watched over by a hand-carved serpent, is an ancient omen of protection and the sharpest of minds. In this trial, the "bite" is a metaphor for the consequences of a rushed or unfocused spirit. To open it without being "bitten" is to prove your patience, your respect for the guardian, and your worthiness to hold the treasure inside. It is a masterpiece of mystery—a functional talisman that ensures only the steady hand of the rightful keeper can unlock the luck and secrets held within its wooden heart.
The serpent coiled around this box is carved in relief, its body wrapping across the lid and down one side. The scales are textured, the head raised as if alert. This isn't just decoration; it's a warning and a welcome. The serpent guards what's inside, but it also invites you to try—to prove yourself worthy.
Unlike the Treasure Puzzle Box (which has a hidden mechanism you must discover), this box's puzzle is more straightforward—but no less satisfying. The serpent itself is part of the locking mechanism. You might need to slide it, press it, or turn it in a specific way. The lid won't open until you've solved the serpent's riddle.
I don't include instructions with these boxes. Figuring out how to open them is part of the experience. Some people solve it in minutes; others take hours. A few have admitted they still haven't opened theirs weeks later! If you get truly stuck, you can contact me for a hint—but try first. The satisfaction of solving it yourself is worth the effort.
Each puzzle box is carved from a single piece of solid wood—usually oak, ash, or walnut depending on availability. I carve the serpent directly into the surface, using small gouges and chisels to create the scales, the curve of its body, the tilt of its head. The wood is then sanded smooth and finished with Danish oil or a clear varnish, depending on the piece.
Because the serpent is carved by hand, each one is different. Some serpents are long and winding; others are shorter, more coiled. Some have detailed scales; others are smoother, more stylised. The personality of the serpent changes with each box.
That's for you to discover! The serpent is part of the locking mechanism. Try sliding it, pressing it, or turning it. The box won't open until you've solved the puzzle. If you're truly stuck after days of trying, contact me for a hint.
Yes—every single one. I carve the serpent and create the puzzle mechanism by hand in my Hebden Bridge workshop. No two are exactly alike.
Nothing! The box is empty when you receive it. You fill it with your own treasures—jewellery, a special note, crystals, or anything small you want to keep safe.
Absolutely. I post all my handcrafted gifts anywhere in the UK using Royal Mail. Each box is carefully wrapped to ensure it arrives safely. Delivery typically takes 3-5 working days.
Under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have 14 days to cancel your order after receiving an item. Items must be returned in original condition, and you cover return postage unless the item is faulty. See our full Returns Policy for details.