Reminiscent of the entranceway of an ancient Japanese temple, this special piece of art features a petite tabletop that appears to be floating above the base…

The basis for this piece of wood art began with the discovery of the magnificent yet narrow piece of natural-edged African sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) that created the top for this work of art. Sapele is renowned and highly prized for its well-defined ribbon striped dark reddish-brown heartwood framed by contrasting lighter colored sapwood. The sapele top exhibits excellent copper-accented chatoyance (opalescence reminiscent of looking into a cat’s eyes) throughout.

The entire table base, fabricated from a single plank of American black walnut (Juglans nigra), has been ebonized to complement the tabletop. Though dyed black, the ebonizing technique passed to the artist by his Grandfather (also a cabinet maker/restorer) allows the natural grain and character of the walnut to be revealed.

The success of the design depends upon very precise hand-chiseled mortise-and-tenon joints (Japanese jigoku-kusabi joinery technique) for permanent attachment of all pieces to create a table that will last for generations.

The table has been hand finished with a durable teak oil to highlight the natural color and protect the beautiful character of the timbers while giving the table a warm feeling to the touch.