Tangrams Tangram is the most popular dissection puzzle in the world. Tangram originates from China and it is probably more than 1000 years old. The first known descriptions are from the beginning of the 19th century, but in those days tangram was already considered to be a very old game in China. It is unknown when or who invented this very interesting puzzle. Tangram puzzle consists of seven flat shapes called tans, which are being made by cutting a square. The goal is to form a specific shape by using all the 7 tans and they must touch, but not overlap. The specific shape that needs to be assembled is usually given only as an outline or silhouette. There are a few thousands of shapes, which you can make by using tans. Some shapes can be put together in several ways.