Japanese Tea Garden, A

Another example of 1500 piece plywood puzzle from the "Expert" brand, so far the largest size I have known them to produce. It is estimated to be of c1925-1935 manufacture and features a colourful oriental scene signed by Mabel Dorothy Hardy (1868-1937), the same British artist responsible for the artwork of "When East Meets West" also displayed here in the Expert album. It is beautifully cut with some careful colour line-cutting around heads and headwear of the characters. It is housed in a very sturdy box with a faux reptile skin covering.

This print was also used by Holtzapffel for one of their 1000 piece puzzles, albeit under the alternative title of Cherry Blossom Time in Japan. As the latter was unsigned I have now been able to update the artist information for that puzzle also.

I know which I now prefer! Just look at the intricacy of the cutting on display here. Quite brilliant!



Artist: Hardy, M. Dorothy
Brand: Expert
Date: c1925-35
Material: Plywood
Nationality: British-England
Pieces: 1500
Size: 33" x 19"
Theme: Eastern
Title: Japanese Tea Garden, A