mortise and tenon

A mortise and tenon is a type of joint made up of two parts: a tongue-like piece (tenon) that locks into various kinds of secure channels (mortise) adding to the piece’s stability. This technique in China made antique pieces more stable and permanent without using nails or glue and allowed available woods to adapt to Asia’s weather variabilities in temperature and humidity. After long use and weather changes, nailed loosen, so the Chinese substituted tropical woods containing resin and oil like rosewood, sandalwood, ebony, and elm all of which negate the use of glue by denying its adhesive properties. A groove was carved for each frame that offered extra space for the wood to expand and contract during weather changes.