What makes a jigsaw puzzle "complex" and a real challenge for an adult puzzler? According to a number of puzzle makers, puzzles with a large number of pieces of the same shape and color scheme are the answer. The following are two examples from two different manufactuers.
This jigsaw puzzle was donated to the Museun in 1983 by the manufacturer, Whitman Golden Limited. It is intended for the serious adult who relishes a challenge!
It is composed of a hexagonal frame 35.5cm x 40.5cm, into which 56 hexagonal pieces fit. A close look at the photograph reveals the shape of the pieces.The picture of a sand dune continues on both the frame and the pieces.
Each piece is a hexagon 2.2cm by 2cm. Since there is little variation in the color of each piece, this makes the puzzle a singular challenge, and gives it the title Virtually Impossible Puzzle.
The backs of the pieces are plain.
These puzzles were all the rage in the early 1980s. Invented by Sam Savage, a matematician, all the pieces of each puzzle are the same - shaped like a stylized salamander. All the pieces interlock and leave no spaces in between. Savage's inspiration was the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.
The pieces can only fit together in one way. The theoretical concept was adapted for a number of jigsaw subjects. While the picture side pieces varied, dependent upon the picture, the reverse of the puzzle was printed with identical salamanders. Thus a user could assemble a puzzle from either side. Furthermore, a user could use some of the reverse puzzle pieces to assemble any number of shapes that might be visualized. Each puzzle was selling for about $5 US in 1982.
This puzzle was donated to the Museum in 1983 by the manufacturer.
The container box top is 21.5cm long x 25.5cm wide x 3.9cm high. The puzzle is comprized of 58 pieces, 26 frame or edge pieces, and 32 salamander-shaped pieces approximately 7.5cm long x 6cm wide.
When assembled, the entire puzzle is 28cm long x 35.5cm wide. A printed booklet is included which offers comentary about "Shmuzzling".
This puzzle was also donated to the Museum in 1983 by the manufacturer Shmuzzles, Inc, Chicago, Ill.
The container is a double tab flap closure 39.2cm square x .3cm thick featuring a picture of the assembled puzzle. Note the trees pictured in the lower right of the puzzle.
Last update April 3, 2010