Tangram
A seven-piece dissection puzzle of ancient Chinese origin.
The tangram is a dissection puzzle consisting of seven flat polygons, called tans, which are put together to form shapes. It is one of the most widely recognized dissection puzzles in the world and has been used for various purposes including amusement, art, and education. The objective is to replicate a pattern given only an outline using all seven pieces without overlap, or to create original minimalist designs.
- type
- dissection puzzle
- pieces
- 7
- earliest_known_date
- late 18th century
- place_of_origin
- China
- known_for
- replicating outlines with seven geometric tans
Lore & Background
The tangram is reputed to have been invented in China sometime around the late 18th century and then carried over to America and Europe by trading ships shortly after. It became very popular in Europe for a time, and then again during World War I. The origin of the English word 'tangram' is unclear; one conjecture holds that it is a compound of the Greek element '-gram' with 'tan-' possibly from Chinese t'an 'to extend' or Cantonese t'ang 'Chinese', or it may derive from the archaic English 'tangram' meaning 'an odd, intricately contrived thing'.
Reader's Guide
The tangram's significance lies in its enduring popularity as a puzzle that bridges cultures and centuries. Donnaldson. During World War I, it saw a resurgence on both sides. The puzzle's pieces include two large right triangles, one medium right triangle, two small right triangles, one square, and one parallelogram—the only piece lacking reflection symmetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a tangram?
It is a classic dissection puzzle made up of seven flat geometric polygons, known as tans, that you rearrange to build recognizable silhouettes or original minimalist figures.
What is the goal when solving a tangram puzzle?
You must fit all seven tans together without any gaps or overlaps to match a provided outline, or alternatively craft your own shape from the set.
What are the seven pieces called and what shapes do they include?
They are collectively referred to as tans and consist of flat polygons—triangles, a square, and a parallelogram—cut from a single square.
Why is the tangram so widely recognized in the puzzle world?
It is arguably the most famous dissection puzzle ever created and has found lasting use in recreation, visual art, and classroom education across many cultures.
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