Kanawa-Tsugi
/ka.na.wa tsɯ.ɡi/noun
A traditional Japanese timber joint used to connect two pieces of wood end to end, often with interlocking geometry that resists pulling apart.
Did you know?Kanawa-tsugi belongs to Japanese kigumi, a traditional building system in which complex wooden joints could replace nails and metal fasteners.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Japanese
Japanese
金輪
“Kanawa: literally a metal or gold ring; the name of the ring-like locking form.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
継ぐ
“Tsugu: to join, connect, continue, or transmit from one piece or generation to another.”
Early Modern Japanese
Japanese
金輪継ぎ
“Kanawa-tsugi: literally “metal-ring joining,” referring to a specialized end-to-end timber joint.”
20th Century
Japanese
金輪継ぎ
“A recognized traditional carpentry joint used in the restoration and construction of timber structures.”
Modern English
English loanword
kanawa-tsugi
“A Japanese woodworking term used internationally for this interlocking timber joint.”