The Attic

© Yoshitaka Amano

Moon cavalier (Amano)

Classic Amano gothic - swirling lines, and a slightly mysterious composition. If this is a cavalier, where is his horse? And are we on the moon? The first word in the original title, Gekkû no kishi, is made-up: "moon-sky". What does it mean? ...Ah! Could that be the moon in the background? Surely it is.

Anyway, there is plenty of black for people who don't like their puzzles too easy!

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Albinone (Amano)

The original title is Shiroi honô, or "White flame" - I can't see the connection with the "Albione" name. Or is it "Albinone"? The box has both versions on different sides...

Although this puzzle has a large background area, it's full of subtle texture, so there should not be any really hard bits.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Ghost-moon (Amano)

A mysterious horseman: the original title Yûgetsu, literally "Ghost-moon", has an air of mystery in Japanese, and the puzzle also has an apparently unrelated English title - "The Beauty Black". Could this be the horse's name? Anyway, dark swirling drama...

This puzzle has a lustrous "lamé" finish.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Tenma no yume (Amano)

"The dream of the horse of heaven" - A maiden, totally unencumbered by clothing, is whisked away by her hero.

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Dream on the moon (Amano)

This English title (that appears on the box) probably isn't the best translation of the rather poetic Japanese original, Yume-mi-zuki, which consists simply of the words "Dream-view-moon".

The large area of white border will make this quite a challenge for jigsaw beginners.

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Swordsman of moonlight (Amano)

A gothic touch to this classic Amano illustration: the original title is Tsukikage no kenshi.

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Nightmare (Amano)

The original title, Kokui-no-kenshi is rather more prosaic - "The black-cloaked swordsman".

This image comes from the Vampire Hunter D novel and movie - check out the VHD Archives

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.

© Yoshitaka Amano

Holy Princess (Amano)

Born in Shizuoka in 1952, Amano began his artistic career early, joining an anime production company while still only 15. He is probably best known for his creation of the characters in the Final Fantasy video game series, but has worked in a wide range of artistic styles. He currently lives in New York

Note that Amano is his family name, so he is not following the Japanese artist's tradition of going by his given name.