also: じごくホゾ
foxtail wedged tenon joint; blind tenon with wedges
A traditional Japanese woodworking joint where a tenon is inserted into a mortise and then wedges are driven into slots at the tenon's end, locking it tightly. The name 地獄 (hell) suggests the joint is nearly impossible to disassemble.
This fitting uses a foxtail wedged tenon joint, making it hard to come apart.
The foxtail wedged tenon is a joint that is firmly fixed by driving in wedges.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; the most readable form for learners.
Katakana ホゾ emphasizes the technical term; used in some architectural contexts.
Full kanji spelling using 枘 (tenon); rare and may not be widely recognized.
Compound of 地獄 (hell) and ほぞ (tenon). The name likely comes from the joint's extreme tightness, making it 'hellish' to separate once assembled.