3-Way Miter Joint

Detail: The 3-Way Miter Joint, reminiscent of a rice dumpling's shape, is a classic design choice for square-framed furniture. It joins three square timber sections at the corners, creating six 45° angled lines, colloquially known as "triangular points." This joint is a popular choice for tables, bookcases, and cabinets, offering both strength and visual appeal. It employs multiple tenons for a tight union of the wooden components, and tenons of varying lengths boost the structure's load-bearing abilities. Yet, a potential downside is the density of tenons, which may compromise overall stability. In tables, the inclusion of additional crossbeams or king posts is often necessary to fortify the construction. Although modern Chinese-style furniture may feature the 3-Way Miter Joint less frequently, preferring simpler joinery, it remains a signature feature of certain antique-inspired pieces.

Process: The 3-Way Miter Joint is crafted by uniting three square blocks at the corners, each forming a 45° miter shoulder. An intricate hollow miter cut is made at the intersection where the legs meet the panel frame. Correspondingly, the panel frame's corners are mitered at 45° to align seamlessly with the leg shoulders, ensuring a smooth, continuous connection. Small brackets, featuring both long and short tenons, engage with matching mortise and tenon holes beneath the panel frames to join with the legs. This method of construction not only provides exceptional support but also enhances the joint's overall durability.

Material: Hardwood: Phoebe zhennan (Nanmu), Pine Wood, Teak, etc.

Origin: China

Number of Parts: 3 pieces

Period: Song Dynasty (960 A.D - 1279 A.D.)

Detachability: Detachable

Automatable: Yes

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