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San Mai Hozo

三枚ほぞ

A three-piece mitred dovetail that unifies legs and top into one rigid structure without glue or metal.

3Dモデル: Yose-ari-hozo-shikuchi by thejoinery on Sketchfab

組み立ての要点

San Mai Hozo functions like an inlaid mitred dovetail, typically half an inch thick. The three-piece geometry creates such a rigid connection that table legs and top become structurally unified. The joint exemplifies traditional Japanese joinery at its finest—so effective that structures could theoretically be assembled at large scale using this technique alone. Mastery demands precise layout and careful chisel work.

歴史的背景

San Mai Hozo (三枚ほぞ, three-piece tenon) represents one of the most demanding corner joints in Japanese furniture making. Three components—a leg and two sides of a mitred dovetail—interlock without glue or metal. The joint appears in heirloom tables, shrine fittings, and demonstration pieces that showcase a craftsman's skill. Students typically master Hozo Tsugi and Ari Otoshi before attempting San Mai Hozo.

組み立て手順

  1. Lay out the mitre and dovetail geometry on all three pieces using angle jigs.
  2. Cut the dovetail tails and pins on the leg and top rail first.
  3. Shape the third piece (apron or side) to complete the three-way lock.
  4. Test-fit each component individually, then assemble the full corner dry.
  5. Adjust with chisels until all three pieces seat simultaneously without force.

日本で見られる場所

  • Fine furniture galleries — Kyoto and Tokyo — heirloom tables and cabinets
  • Shrine fittings and altar work — Temple precincts — decorative frame corners

バリエーション

Thickness and dovetail angle vary with application. Some versions use a visible mitre; others hide the joint behind a flush face. Mitsu Kude (three-way frame joint) addresses similar geometry at architectural scale.

用途

  • Table construction
  • Cabinet corners
  • Shrine fittings
  • Heirloom furniture

必要な道具

  • Dozuki saw
  • Nomi chisels
  • Marking knife
  • Angle jigs
  • Wood mallet

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