Unlocking Tradition: The Application of Mortise and Tenon Structure in Cultural and Creative Product Design

What is the Mortise and Tenon Structure?

The mortise and tenon structure is a woodworking joint where one component (the tenon) is inserted into a corresponding cavity (the mortise) to form a stable connection without nails or glue. Historically used in temples, furniture, and wooden equipment, this technique requires high precision and craftsmanship. With the advancement of digital fabrication and CNC machinery, mortise and tenon structures are now more accessible and adaptable for contemporary product design.

Types of Mortise and Tenon Joints

1. Surface Joints: These include combinations of edges or planes—such as dovetail joints or rabbet joints—used for tight-fitting, interlocking designs.

1. Point Joints: Suitable for T-joints, corner joints, and cross joints, these are ideal for creating versatile, multidirectional frameworks.
2. Component Combinations: Complex structures involving multiple interconnected joints, such as the "horse sale" joint, enable multi-part designs with high stability.

These adaptable joint styles give designers the freedom to create functional and aesthetically distinctive products, suitable for a wide range of applications in the cultural and creative industries.

Advantages of Using Mortise and Tenon Structures in Product Design

1. Modular and Sustainable Design

The mortise and tenon system promotes modularity. Each part functions independently but can be interchanged or replaced easily. This allows for:

• Customizable product variations
• Simplified manufacturing and logistics
• Easier maintenance and recycling
• Extended product life cycles

This modular flexibility aligns well with today’s sustainable design goals and the rising demand for personalized consumer products.

2. Structural Innovation and Aesthetic Versatility

Mortise and tenon joints allow for imaginative structural modeling. The variety of joint types supports:

• Stylish, modern aesthetics with traditional roots
• Transformable or expandable structures
• Product differentiation through visible craftsmanship

Even with simplified processing using modern tools, the essence of traditional mortise and tenon craftsmanship remains intact, allowing designers to meet both functional needs and aesthetic preferences.

3. Green and Eco-Friendly Material Use

Traditionally using wood, mortise and tenon structures naturally align with eco-conscious design. Their advantages include:

• Reduced reliance on synthetic adhesives or fasteners
• Efficient use of reclaimed or recycled wood
• Compatibility with natural materials and regional resources

As sustainable design becomes more critical, mortise and tenon structures offer a tangible way to integrate green principles into modern products.

Cultural and Creative Product Innovation: Real-World Applications

In the globalized cultural and creative industry, product design is no longer just about function—it’s about storytelling, identity, and heritage. The mortise and tenon structure, when integrated with modern creativity, adds cultural depth and engineering strength to product design.

Case Study 1: Dovetail Business Card Case

One product cleverly integrates a sycee-shaped dovetail joint to form a modern business card case. The weight of the tenon replaces traditional clamps, ensuring a secure fit while providing a minimalist, heritage-inspired aesthetic. The ease of assembly and replacement of parts increases product longevity and adaptability for various user needs.

Case Study 2: NUDE Coatrack

Award-winning product NUDE, inspired by the traditional Luban lock, demonstrates how the mortise and tenon concept can be translated into contemporary furniture. The product uses angled interlocks for stability, eliminating the need for external fasteners. Its six-part design shares stress loads evenly, making it durable, easy to disassemble, and environmentally friendly.

Design Considerations for Cultural Products Using Mortise and Tenon

1. Start with Problem-Solving: Understand the shortcomings of existing products and use mortise and tenon solutions to enhance functionality and design.
2. Encourage Diversification: Avoid limiting yourself to traditional Chinese styles. Reimagine mortise and tenon in modern, global contexts.
3. Material and Structural Experimentation: Explore new materials and textures to keep designs fresh, relevant, and appealing to diverse user bases.

Conclusion: Beyond Aesthetic—Toward Functional Culture

The mortise and tenon structure is not merely a traditional craft—it is a design philosophy rooted in sustainability, modularity, and cultural identity. When applied thoughtfully to cultural and creative products, it brings together the past and present in ways that are both functional and meaningful. For designers aiming to balance modern innovation with historical depth, the mortise and tenon joint is not just a tool—it is a bridge between cultures, timelines, and design ideologies.

As the world grows more interested in sustainable and culturally grounded design, continued exploration of mortise and tenon structures will be essential. This isn’t just about reviving a technique—it’s about reshaping how we think, create, and connect through products.

Source: IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering

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