Exploring the many ways wood pieces can slot into each other is the most strangely satisfying experience we’ve had today!
Japan’s centuries-old woodworking culture has been the focus of a number of mesmerising videos in the past, where the fitting of precise joints provided an interesting look at traditional construction methods, while being curiously relaxing to watch at the same time. Now, a Japanese woodworking enthusiast has created an even more tantalising look at the nation’s traditional approach to construction, which requires no nails or hardware, with a series of animated GIFs that are informative and captivating at the same time!
▼ The journey into the world of Japanese joinery begins with the Kanawa-tsugi.
▼ Then there’s the Shihou-ari-tsugi.
▼ And the Nimai-kama-tsugi.
▼ Three blocks can be joined together with the Hozosaki-sanmaigumi-shikuchi.
▼ Or the Sao-shachisen-tsugi-no-nihousashi.
▼ Five blocks are secured together in the Shachisen-tsugi-shikuchi-no-shihousashi.
▼ One of the most exquisite examples of joinery can be seen in the Sampo-gumi-shikuchi.
▼ And the equally beautiful Kawai-tsugite.
It’s amazing to think that these joints were used to construct some of Japan’s most famous wooden buildings without the need for nails, relying on their strength alone to hold up huge temples and heavy gates at castles. One of the most famous examples of joinery can be seen at the Otemon gate at Osaka Castle, where tour groups stop to admire the unique mastery of the Osaka-jo-otemon-hikae-bashira-tsugite.
Having once eluded traditional carpenters for many years, the impossible-looking joint has since been analysed by X-ray to reveal its inner construction.
These beautiful animated GIFs are another example of modern technology helping to decipher the complexities of traditional workmanship. Made with mechanical design software Fusion 360, the moving images make it incredibly easy to visualise the way the joints work together, in a way that’s impossible to portray with just two-dimensional images. To see more great examples, check out the artist’s Twitter account, which he’s dubbed “The Complete 3D Guide to Joinery”. It’s a relaxing and educational experience!
Source: Net Lab
Top image: Twitter/@TheJoinery_jp