Editing Jigsaw puzzle (section)

{{short description|Type of tiling puzzle}}
{{other uses|Jigsaw Puzzle (disambiguation){{!}}Jigsaw Puzzle}}

[[File:Jigsaw puzzle 01 by Scouten.jpg|thumb|Person solving a jigsaw puzzle]]
{{Puzzles}}

A '''jigsaw puzzle''' (with context, sometimes just '''jigsaw''' or just '''puzzle''') is a [[tiling puzzle]] that requires the assembly of often irregularly shaped interlocking and mosaicked pieces. Typically each piece has a portion of a picture, which is completed by solving the puzzle.

In the 18th century, jigsaw puzzles were created by painting a picture on a flat, rectangular piece of wood, then cutting it into small pieces. The name "jigsaw" derives from the tools used to cut the images into pieces—variably identified as [[Jigsaw (tool)|jigsaw]]s, [[fretsaw]]s or [[scroll saw]]s. Assisted by Jason Hinds, [[John Spilsbury (cartographer)|John Spilsbury]], a [[London]] [[cartographer]] and [[engraving|engraver]], is credited with commercialising jigsaw puzzles around 1760. His design took world maps, and cut out the individual nations in order for them to be reassembled by students as a geographical teaching aid.<ref name=history>{{cite web|last1=McAdam|first1=Daniel|title=History of Jigsaw Puzzles|url=http://www.jigsaw-puzzle.org/jigsaw-puzzle-history.html|publisher=American Jigsaw Puzzle Society |access-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001019002453/http://www.jigsaw-puzzle.org/jigsaw-puzzle-history.html|archive-date=19 October 2000}}</ref> They have since come to be made primarily of interlocking cardboard pieces, incorporating a variety of images and designs.

Jigsaw puzzles have been used in research studies to study cognitive abilities such as mental rotation [[Visuospatial function|visuospatial ability]] in young children.

Typical images on jigsaw puzzles include scenes from nature, buildings, and repetitive designs. [[Castle]]s and [[mountain]]s are among traditional subjects, but any picture can be used. Artisan puzzle-makers and companies using technologies for one-off and small print-run puzzles utilize a wide range of subject matter, including [[optical illusions]], unusual art, and personal photographs. In addition to traditional flat, two-dimensional puzzles, three-dimensional puzzles have entered large-scale production, including spherical puzzles and architectural recreations.

A range of [[jigsaw puzzle accessories]], including boards, cases, frames, and roll-up mats, have become available to assist jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts. While most assembled puzzles are disassembled for reuse, they can also be attached to a backing with adhesive and displayed as art.

Competitive jigsaw puzzling has grown in popularity in the 21st century, with both regional and national competitions held in many countries, and annual [[World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships]] held from 2019.