Nuki (joinery)

Nuki is a Japanese style of carpentry joint connection. Nuki joints are common in Japanese and oriental carpentry, and comprise one of the simplest structural connectors.[1] They are similar to mortise and tenon joints, and have been used traditionally in historic buildings, such as Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and also in modern domestic houses.[2] The basic principle involves penetrating one element through another (i.e., embedment); in Japan and other Asian countries this method is used to connect wooden posts and beams.[3]

A traditional Japanese torii gate. Slightly below the top rail is a second horizontal rail, called nuki, which is an example of a nuki joint.