True Sage-Kama Sage-Kama with Blind Half Dovetail

When discussing Japanese joinery one is usually referring to those used for heavy structural loading in building construction.
Though this is true, many of them can be scaled down to be used in light constructions such as cabinetry, chairs, and tables with
little or no modification.

The Sage-kama is of the connecting joints, or Shiguchi, category. It was originally invented as a connecting joint between brac-
ing rails, since diagonal bracing is most common in the West, and the pillars/posts of a structure. The rails acted to stabilized
the structure and resist racking. With that in mind, it is suggested that this joint would be rather useful in lighter constructions
such as the stretchers for chairs or tables. An interesting side note is that this joint would be used toward the bottom of a pil-
lar where as an Age-kama would be used toward the top.

Upon further research it was found that this joint is also referred to as the Shitage-kama, which suggests a variant of the joint.
This seems to be case given the subsequent detail for the joint.

References:
The Art of Japanese Joinery by Kiyosi Seiki
Laney College’s Japanese Hand Tools II Class - 2006/10/28 < http://www.daikudojo.org/Classes/20061028/>
American Woodworker – Feb. 1990, Issue No. 12
< http://books.google.com/books?id=cvsDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false>
David Fay Custom Furniture – Narra Bed with Exposed Joinery < http://www.davidfay.com/Articles/95.fall.hf.php>

Joint Precedent Storage +

Sage-Kama, wedged through half dovetail Interior Architectural Anomalies sara huston spring 2010