Sparrow braces

Sparrow braces (que ti) are components of ancient Chinese architecture. They are installed on the lower part of beams and lintels, connecting with columns to shorten the net span of beams and lintels, functioning both as decorative and structural elements. In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), they were known as "corner braces (jiao ti)", and in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), they were called "sparrow braces (que ti)". They are also referred to as "corner insertion (cha jiao)" or "supporting wood (tuo mu)".