Understanding the Jigsaw Puzzle Die

A jigsaw puzzle die is a tiling puzzle die that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking and tessellating pieces. Each piece usually has a small part of a picture on it; when complete, a jigsaw puzzle die produces a complete picture. In some cases more advanced types have appeared on the market, such as spherical jigsaws and puzzle dies showing optical illusions.

Jigsaw puzzle dies were originally created by painting a picture on a flat, rectangular piece of wood, and then cutting that picture into small pieces with a jigsaw, hence the name. John Spilsbury, a London mapmaker and engraver, is credited with commercialising jigsaw puzzle dies around 1760. Jigsaw puzzle dies have since come to be made primarily on cardboard.

Typical images found on jigsaw puzzle dies include scenes from nature, buildings, and repetitive designs. Castles and mountains are two traditional subjects. However, any kind of picture can be used to make a jigsaw puzzle die; some companies offer to turn personal photographs into puzzle dies. Completed puzzle dies can also be attached to a backing with adhesive to be used as artwork.

During recent years a range of jigsaw puzzle die accessories including boards, cases, frames and roll-up mats has become available that are designed to assist jigsaw puzzle die enthusiasts. Some jigsaw enthusiasts suggest that it is bad form (against the rules) to look at the picture on the box while working on the puzzle die, but most people find it to be perfectly normal to look at the box.

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