Mortise and Tenon Structure
The mortise and tenon joint is a major traditional method of connecting wooden components in China. It is a vital part of traditional Chinese furniture and architecture. The mortise and tenon respectively refer to the protruding and recessed parts at the joints of traditional wooden furniture and architecture, which are mainly used to connect two components. By joining the mortise and tenon, pieces of wood can be connected to form sturdy joints for any structure or component needed. Without the need for nails or glue, the wooden components are tightly fitted, seamless and stable.
The mortise and tenon structure is an important invention of ancient Chinese craftsmen, and an excellent symbol of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Traditional buildings such as the palaces of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Suspended Temples in Shanxi province all adopted this structure. With its interlocking protrusions and recesses, the structure embodies ancient China's wisdom and pursuit of harmony. It is still widely used today.
榫卯結構
榫卯結構是中國傳統木構件的一種主要連接方式，它既是中式家具的重要特征，又是傳統建筑的主要構件。榫卯， 是榫頭卯眼的簡稱，即傳統木制家具和古建筑構件接合處的凸凹部分，主要用于連接和固定兩個構件。通過榫卯的嵌合，可接長或拼合木料，形成穩固的聯結節點以建成所需要的結構和構件，不使用釘子和膠水，就能讓木構件之間緊密扣合、嚴絲合縫、穩定可靠。
榫卯結構是中國古代匠人的重要發明創造，是中國傳統技藝中的優秀代表。北京故宮宮殿、天壇祈年殿、山西懸空寺等傳統建筑都將榫卯技藝融入建筑結構之中。榫卯結構“你中有我、我中有你”的凹凸結合連接方式，凝結了中國古代勞動人民的智慧，彰顯了中華文明的和合精神。這一技藝至今仍被廣泛使用。
