A Grain in Time, A Lock of Wisdom
United Nations Registration No.00358
Heritage Since
Rooted in pre-Qin era joinery traditions—2,500+ years of tactile logic
Collector Grade
Crafted from African rosewood—less than 5% of similar puzzles use hardwood of this density
Manual Hours
Over 12 artisan steps for finishing, then infinite hours of replay and display
📜 Story Behind the Craft
The Luban Lock, also known as the Kongming Lock, traces its origin to ancient Chinese legends—said to be designed by the legendary craftsman Lu Ban as a test for his son. At first glance, it's a simple interlocking puzzle; in reality, it embodies centuries of wisdom in woodworking and logic.
This finely crafted edition draws upon the spirit of ingenuity and perseverance—each joint, each groove a metaphor for overcoming complexity through patience and balance.
📐 Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.9 × 3.9 × 3.9 inches (10 × 10 × 10 cm)
- Material: African Rosewood (commonly referred to as African small-leaf red sandalwood)
- Surface: Hand-polished with natural wood grain, no lacquer
- Packaging: Includes wooden display base and protective gift wrap
- Function: Decorative puzzle, stress-relieving gift, and a cultural collector's item
🤝 Made with Care
Every Luban Lock is hand-assembled by skilled artisans. The joints require no nails or glue—only precise measurement and the ancient mortise-and-tenon technique. The high-density rosewood ensures both tactile satisfaction and enduring elegance.
🧵 Craftsmanship & Ingredients
Crafted from seasoned African rosewood, known for its rich reddish hue and fine, oily grain. The wood is air-dried to prevent cracking, then shaped with traditional tools before final fitting by hand. Assembling or disassembling the lock demands focus, dexterity, and an appreciation of structural balance—values echoed in the philosophies of Confucian self-cultivation and Daoist harmony.
🌏 Artisan & Origin Spotlight
This lock is made by a workshop dedicated to traditional Chinese joinery art, carrying on Lu Ban’s spirit. With decades of experience, the artisans blend contemporary design with classical inspiration, transforming a humble wooden toy into an heirloom-quality artifact.
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Recognition
Rooted in Classical Chinese Woodworking
The Luban Lock belongs to a broader lineage of mortise-and-tenon ingenuity seen across ancient architecture, from bridges to temples. It is a miniature embodiment of the structural wisdom that supported dynastic palaces and folk homes alike.
UNESCO ICH Connection
While the lock itself is not formally listed, its core technology aligns with the philosophy of traditional Chinese woodworking—an intangible cultural heritage shared by techniques such as:
🔖 UNESCO ICH No.00358: Traditional Design and Practices for Building Chinese Wooden Arch Bridges
🔗 Learn more at the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage website →
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