Classical lattice mortise and tenon joints have a history of thousands of years. The craftsmen of the past generations have made innovative explorations as they pass down the skills, giving rise to various styles. Used in Jiangnan architecture, the lattice mortise and tenon joints demonstrate ever-developing craftsmanship, often marking a crowning touch.

Chen Biao of Dachang applied the technique of making lattice mortise and tenon to the production of handicrafts. Made from small-leaf red sandalwood, Chinese rosewood and old mahogany as raw materials, such ingenious handicrafts are made with tenon-making and various professional skills using miniature tools for sawing, planing, chiseling and knifing, while incorporating other art forms such as painting and carving.

Works of Dachang lattice mortise and tenon are composed of thousands of small wood chips with a thickness of only 0.15cm forming grids like herringbone, swastika, and moiré. They are assembled together with other components tightly and firmly due to the natural design of the tenon joints. Such products are all in their natural wood color, quite valuable for ornamentation and collection purposes.

The artwork “Vase of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity” made with Dachang lattice mortise and tenon joint technique won the gold medal at the 2012 China Arts and Crafts Master Works and Arts and Crafts Exposition. Chen Biao, a representative for carrying forward this technique, won the title of Shanghai Arts and Crafts Master in March 2015.