Labelling joints

For Erik, who also asked here, the symbols that are used to mark the joints on the European pavilion are so old their origins are unknown, but they can be seen on most timber framed buildings, going back to Medieval ones, and throughout Europe with a few regional variations.

The Japanese have a different way of labelling joints, using different symbols. They also always use ink, rather than European-style carving, and mark the inside of the joint so it is hidden when the building is complete, rather than the outside so it is on view with the European system.

There is no sign of any labelling on the Japanese carpenters' model of their tea house below, but I suspect the symbols on the paper marking where each upright is provide the key.

Comments

[Fuzzy Wuzzy]

Could we maybe get a post from either side with pics of all the symbols used to mark the joints? I've been known to mark joints with Kanji numbers, since they only require straight lines (for the most part), but it would be great to see the sequence of joint marks and their reasoning.

[Nicola Wood]

I think it's a bit too complex for me to try to give that much detail, but I have some notes I made when I was talking with Hannes and when I have a moment I will attempt a better explanation so you can get the theory.

[Erik Schepers]

Hi Nicola,

Thanks for the answer. A couple of days ago I visited a castle in near where I live. And I've noticed the markings there. These where mostly roman numerals, but also the symbols that remind me of runes. It is not so weird that they remind me of futhark since it comes from a wooden world.