Hanayama - a Japanese company - have been designing cast puzzles for over a quarter of a century and all of their efforts have gone into this one incredible range. Although puzzles have been around for hundreds of years, no other company has ever come up with so many unique designs. In the world of puzzles this is simply the best range ever created and we can’t see it ever being surpassed.


Created by the young Finnish puzzle designer Vesa Timonen, he based the design on an original puzzle ring he created for his girlfriend. He Finnished up with a simple, yet unique design (did you see what we did there?).

Not over complicated, but certainly clever. Battling it out with this puzzle is like putting your mind to the test against one of the world’s sharpest minds – the inventor of this puzzle a very clever Dutchman called Oskar van Deventner.

Cast Loop
(Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Cast Disk
(Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

This puzzle, utilizing pieces resembling equipment used in cricket, can be traced back to a puzzle patented in England back in 1898. The world’s only remaining original version of this puzzle is part of the personal collection of James Dalgety who lent his considerable experience in the creation of this version.

Patented in America in 1965, this puzzle was originally created by Joseph L. Litle. It is another classic design and should feature in any serious puzzle collection.

Cast Cricket
(Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Violin
(Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

The Cast Key II is a new version of the well established traditional two keys puzzle designed by Otake & Wong. The classic version seems slightly dated now, so this new design, requiring an unlikely little trick to solve, is a welcome addition to the Hanayama range.

In days before keys and locks horsemen needed to find methods of 'locking their horses' if they fancied popping in for a swift pint on the way home. This classic horseshoe puzzle is one such result and is possibly the most famous classic puzzle in existence.

Cast Key II
(Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Horse
(Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Two ancient looking medals engraved with a flowing river and a swimming salmon. The challenge is to retrieve the ring the salmon holds in its mouth? This puzzle was designed by British designer James Dalgety after the legend of the Ring and the Salmon, which figures on the coat of arms of Glasgow City.

New for 2009 and a great new addition to the world of disentanglement puzzles, the two pieces of this bright, new puzzle are exactly the same shape. The Hook is designed by Vesa Timonen from Finland. The most simply designed puzzles are very often the best!

Cast Medal
(Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Cast Hook
(Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

New in 2009, this unique design is an exciting new addition to the world of puzzles. The marble can be broken into 4 pieces and although the design by Oskar is brilliant, this lovely bit of sculpture could just as easily sit on a plinth in the Saatchi Gallery!

This brass puzzle was first introduced by Professor Bakalar from Prague. There are various versions of this puzzle available around the globe - made in different shapes and sizes and using different materials. This design is the best.

Cast Marble
(V.Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Cage
(V.Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

A prize winner from the 2001 1st Annual World Puzzle Design Competition (what - you haven’t heard of it?) this puzzle was designed by the Dutchmen, Oskar van Deventner, considered to be one of the world’s brightest puzzle creators. The gear exhibits a ‘unique kind of movement’. We think this one’s a beauty.

This cube, designed by a Dutch man called Oskar can be defined as a maze through which a loop has been interwoven. The position of the piece trapped inside can be changed by moving it in certain unique ways. When first invented, the start point at which the piece can be removed was not fixed. However, following a suggestion by the Japanese inventor - Nob Yoshigahara, a clear start point was created by adding two eyes and a mouth.

Cast O’Gear
(V.Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Cuby
(V.Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

A puzzle masterpiece by Akio Yamamoto. The ridges and grooves of the two pieces must be lined up perfectly in both to take them apart and put them back together. Don’t try to rush this one—take your time and enjoy the “Vita Dolce!”

Anyone with a knowledge of puzzles knows the classic two horseshoes puzzle. Taking this as its inspiration, this puzzle ramps up the difficulty level considerably. Does the new version surpass the original in design? You decide…

Cast Dolce
(V.Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Cast W-U
(V.Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

We have seen it written that ‘The Radix is a puzzle known for both its monumental looks and somewhat organic styling and movement. The entire unit gives off an air of antique wisdom, the pieces joined at the base in chaotic harmony.’ I’m not sure what it means – but it sounds great! The name comes from the mathematical term, “radical axis”.

This puzzle is based on a design popularized in 15th century Europe. The engagement or wedding ring proved a very useful method of preventing adultery – once removed from ones finger it is very difficult to put back together again! Christian reformist, Martin Luther, was even known to wear one.

Cast Radix
(V.Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Ring
(V.Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Created by Akio Yamamoto, Baroq consists of two pieces fashioned after the image of intertwining Bach melodies (no less). Following a dynamic build-up, work towards the inspirational finale as the two pieces elegantly separate (or not as the case maybe).

The brains behind this puzzle belong to Serhiy Grabarchuk, a Ukrainian puzzle designer from Uzhgorod. And of course if, heaven forbid, you tire of the puzzle - it doubles up as a perfectly sized coaster. That is, of course, if you’ve managed to solve the puzzle…

Cast Baroq
(V.Difficult)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Coaster
(V.Difficult)
£12.00 GBP

Another puzzle from the Dutch prodigy, Oscar. This labyrinth-style puzzle, done up in the shape of an egg, gained prize - winning honors at the 2nd Annual Puzzle Design Competition in Antwerp. The goal is to separate the two pieces and then put them back together.

The three pieces each have a spiral (vortex) body and two protrusions. When assembled together, each piece is unified into a flat object. In order to undo this complex entanglement you need to unbind them three dimensionally. Good luck!

Cast L’oeuf
(V.Difficult)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Vortex
(Extreme)
£12.00 GBP

This puzzle is based on a design popularized in 15th century Europe. The engagement or wedding ring proved a very useful method of preventing adultery - once removed from ones finger it is very difficult to put back together again! Christian reformist, Martin Luther, was even known to wear one.

A masterpiece by metal smith Akio Yamamoto, the objective is to remove the masterfully united ‘Adam’ and ‘Eve’ loops from the metal plate crafted in the shape of the ‘Forbidden Fruit’

Cast Ring II
(Extreme)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Amour
(Extreme)
£10.00 GBP

A puzzle dating from Britain’s huge puzzle craze at the end of the 19th century. There is one point weakness which, if found will provide the break through. Navigating this Labyrinth is
a-maze-ingly complicated! (sorry…)

This puzzle possesses a ball-like shape - like that of an astronomical model composed of a planet and a surrounding ring. The planet, being positioned tightly inside the ring, looks as if it cannot be taken out and all you can do is rotate it on its axis. Or is there more to it?

Cast Laby
(Extreme)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Equa
(Extreme)
£14.00 GBP

At first glance, this puzzle by Ken Walker of Rivermore, California doesn’t seem un-lockable. The five pieces, however, can most certainly be taken apart and the puzzle is an absolute classic. Putting them back together is a whole new problem in itself. Our suggestion for solving this puzzle would be to not apply too much pressure.

At first glance, it looks as if there is only one ring hanging from the grid but there are in fact, two rings attached with a magnetic force. Can you separate the rings from the grid and return them to their original positions? One of the many assets of this puzzle, designed by Oskar, is that there are multiple problems to solve. Next, try to fit the two rings at the four-crossing points on the grid indicated by the numbers. The level of difficulty increases as players aim for crossings with higher numbers.

Cast Spiral
(Extreme)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Duet
(Extreme)
£12.00 GBP

There are two approaches to this puzzle, neither of which are in any way easy to find. It is very difficult to unravel due to the bonds that hold this structure together.

Another of Nob Yoshigahara's classic creations. Unfortunately, saying anything about this puzzles construction gives too much away. Actually, even that maybe a clue. Enough said!!!

Cast Quartet
(Death By Puzzle)
£14.00 GBP
Cast News
(Death By Puzzle)
£14.00 GBP

At the end of the 19th century, Britain experienced a huge puzzle craze. This puzzle is based on one of these original puzzles. It is a classic in every sense of the word. Easy when you know how - but devilishly difficult when you don’t!

The special thing about this puzzle is that it can be solved three different ways, depending on which of the three pieces is chosen as the middle piece. Solving this puzzle requires an especially subtle working of the pieces, the kind that often leaves the victim struggling in frustration. It’s a masterpiece (designed by Oskar)


Cast Elk
(Death By Puzzle)
£10.00 GBP

Cast Chain
(Death By Puzzle)
£12.00 GBP

There are two goals to the Nutcase. Firstly to remove the small nut by disassembling the puzzle. And secondly trying to change the wording on the bolt from ‘nut-case’ to ‘case-nut’. A puzzle that’s ideal for genuine nutcases!

Patented in America in 1975, the swirled pieces of this puzzle by Eldon Vaughn must be separtated and then put back together. This is without a doubt up there along with all the most difficult puzzles ever created. OK - so you can throw a needle in a haystack and call it a puzzle. But this is different -the solution is elegant, and as a result, the puzzle is excellent.
Cast Nutcase
(Death By Puzzle)
£14.00 GBP

Cast Enigma
(Death By Puzzle)
£10.00 GBP


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