Cutting technology and small workshops
The nineteenth century brought better tools for intricate cuts: fretsaws enabled tighter turns and decorative edges. Small workshops flourished, producing wooden puzzles with detailed silhouettes and themed scenes. Art publishers licensed engravings and lithographs, and puzzles began to shift from purely didactic sets to delightful parlour entertainments.
Standardization vs. artistry
With more makers came the first hints of standardization—piece sizes within a set, more recognizable “tabs and blanks,” and boxes that promised a certain difficulty. Yet much of the charm remained artisanal: custom cuts, figurative pieces hidden among ordinary shapes, and rich wooden finishes. Because wood was durable, these puzzles were cherished and reused across generations.
Audience expands
As printing improved and images became more affordable, subject matter diversified: landscapes, city views, animals, advertisements, and seasonal artwork. Puzzles were now both collectibles and convivial challenges for social gatherings.