This article will focus on the history of Mechanical Puzzles specifically in China which could be said to be the home of such intelligence games. Ancient Chinese craftsmen developed mechanical wood puzzles as early as the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC – 256 BC). Two famous types of puzzles, Kongming Locks or Luban Locks, were named after two historical figures, Kongming (Zhuge Liang) and Luban (Gongshu Ban), who were renowned for their intelligence and craftsmanship. These locks served both as entertainment and educational tools, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Zhuge Liang (181-234 AD) Master statesman, Lu Ban (507-444 BC) Architect, inventor, carpenter strategist and engineer.
Chinese mechanical puzzles are renowned for their intricate designs and varying levels of complexity. The core challenge often revolves around disassembling and reassembling the puzzle pieces, which can be deceptively difficult due to hidden mechanisms and precise construction. The wooden puzzles are based on Chinese carpentry techniques that rely solely on joints, eschewing nails and oftentimes glues as well, to make intricate furniture and architectural feats, such as the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven.
One of the most iconic examples of Chinese disentangelement puzzles is the "Nine Linked Rings," also known as the "Chinese Rings Puzzle" or the "Deceptive Rings." This puzzle consists of nine interlocking rings that must be separated and then reassembled. The intricate craftsmanship and ingenious design of this puzzle have made it a symbol of Chinese puzzle-making expertise.
Moreover, these puzzles have been used in educational settings to develop problem-solving skills, patience, and spatial awareness in students. They serve as a bridge between culture and cognitive development, providing a unique learning experience. The Chinese word for puzzle (yizhi youxi) translates quite literally into "enhancing intelligence game".