組み立ての要点
Ari Gumi refers to the broad family of dovetail joinery in Japanese carpentry. Ari Tsugi extends timbers end-to-end with a dovetail occupying half the thickness and a stub tenon; Katasage Ari connects corner posts to tie beams with angled slopes and locking wedges. Traditional proportional guidelines suggest the dovetail neck be one-third to one-quarter of the piece width. These joints emphasize precision layout and minimal reliance on adhesives.
歴史的背景
Ari (ant) describes the tapered shape of the dovetail, which resembles an ant's waist. Japanese craftsmen have used Ari Gumi for centuries in temple construction, cabinetry, and furniture. The family includes Ari Otoshi (corner dovetails), Ari Tsugi (splicing dovetails), Katasage Ari (half dovetail for beam connections), and sliding dovetails for partitions and shelves.
組み立て手順
- Lay out the dovetail; neck width typically one-third to one-quarter of piece width.
- Cut the pin (male) or tail (female) first—many craftsmen start with the receiving half.
- Use the first half to mark the mating piece for a precise fit.
- Saw and chisel to the line; aim to "split the line" for minimal cleanup.
- Assemble; the joint should tighten under load without glue.
日本で見られる場所
- Temple and shrine joinery — Throughout Japan — beams and framing
- Traditional cabinetry — Kyoto workshops, furniture galleries
バリエーション
Ari Tsugi (splicing), Ari Otoshi (corner), Katasage Ari (half dovetail with angled mortise and wedge), Nejiri Ari Gata (twisted "impossible" dovetail). Sliding dovetails connect partitions to panels; tapered versions prevent separation over time.
用途
- End splicing (Ari Tsugi)
- Corner joints
- Sliding dovetails
- Cabinet and beam connections
必要な道具
- Dozuki saw
- Nomi chisels
- Marking knife
- Square